
Class __ELc3 L ^ 



Book ^A(h^f 



FLOEIDA : 



ITS CLIMATE, SOIL, AND PRODUCTIONS, 



WITH A SKETCH OF 



ITS HISTORY, 



NATURAL FEATURES AND SOCIAL 
CONDITION: 



A yiAXUJL OF RELIABLE INFbltMATION 



ONI. KiixiNc Tin: 



^ESOIRCES OF THE STATE AND THE LVDICEMEXTS T© 
IMMIGRAXTS. 



JACKSONVILLE: 

rP.INTKI* ])Y i;i)>VI>. W. CIIKXEY, STATE PltlXTER, BAY ST 



1^ J ' 



\a 



(TU 



1.% 



EXPLAXATOin' 



Jacksoxvillk, Fla., Fehruurn 25, ISOO. 
His Excellkxcy Gov. Ukkd, 

8iK : — In your letter to me of Xoveinl»er 10, 180s, you 
requested lue "to prepare a, proper pamphlet tor the State, for 
distribution, giving full information on all subjects of interest t<> 
persons seeking or desiring a now home. You may make it o(), 
50, lOO, or more i>ages, as you iiiid necessary to make it a com- 
l>lete work." 

Upon considtatiftn with your Excellency, it was detci-- 
mined that a general description of the whole State, with all ac- 
count of its general character and resources, similar to that giv- 
en in a pami)hlet already pul)lished by Dewey tfe Co., with a 
more particular account of each difterent section, would consti- 
tute a desirable l)Ook. — Accordingly I immediately issued the 
following circular aiul addressed it to individuals in almost everv 
County in the State : 

Jacksoxvilm:, Fi,a., Xovemler 10, 1808. 

Dkai; Sji; : — Comiiiissioned by the State to prepai-e a 
pamphlet which shall fairly and fully, but in the strictest truth. 
set forth the manifold inducements which our State of Floritht 
offers to all who seek a home in our genial South, it is desirablr 
that, ill addition to sucli general information as may be prescnt- 
•cd, there should be included as full and jierfect and reliable in- 
formation, geographical and statistical, financial and general, as 
is possible in rcu'ard to the dilferent sections and counties of the 
State. 

In order to do this, I have desii'cd to ]»ut myself in imme- 
diate and close conumniication with men of known intelligence 
in reference to their own and other sections of the State, who 
have a jiatriotic interest in promoting the prosperity of our State, 
and Avho are wilUng to co-o|)erateiR iacilitating the introduction 
of men and m(>ans, Aviiicli will <levelo]» the true strength and 
power of Florida. 

The object is to i>repare a documc]it that will assist the 
State Bureau of Immigration in the effective and intelligent dis- 
charge of its duty, by giving reliable knowledge of local charac- 
teristics. 

A little united eribrt and a settled go^ ernment will bring 
thousands of good men and millions of capital in a short space 
of time within our borders, and sucli a result will very slKH'tlv 
doul)le the m.atcrial streno-th ofom- Stale. 



IV 

We wunt faits asio t lie Mirtace, soil, climate, productioiifj, 
inicos of lands, kinds of timber, })riec' ofluinl>er, wa^os of labor, 
itieans ol j)rodiK'inij labor, access to jnarket, cost of cleariiiif, cost 
of biiildiiiir, character and <iuantity of water, health, and in short 
tlie materials to answer the many questions that each of lis would 
ask in reterence to any section to which we ]»roposed ourselves 
to migrate. 

The work to be et!ecti.\e must be «lone \ ery so.>n, aii<l the 
desire is to have the book comjileted as rapidly as ])Ossible, and 
therefore immediate replies to this communication are solicited. 

I am induced by your Mcll-know interest in the work n 
hand, as well as your intimate knowledge of your own vicinity, 
to address you, and earnestly re(|uest you to resjtond liy a care- 
ful article ui>on the topics suggested, so far as your own locality 
is conci'rned, and to <lo it as soon as you possibly can, giving 
irutlilullv all the inducenienls which your section otters to set- 
ilei-s. State )»arti<ular]y the amounts of the Staples: Corn, Cot- 
ton, Sweet I'otatot's, Sugar, Tobacco, (Jrapes, raised to the acre. 
State also the disposition of your people towards new comers. 

Helving upon your intelligent a]»preciati(^)n of the impor- 
tance of the work to be «lone, and y(jur ]»atriotic willingness to 
assist inacconijdishing what, if well done, must bi' done by us 
all together, 

1 am, respectfully yours, J. S. A])A:\IS. 

T then procei'ded to ]»re]tarethe general descri]>tion ofthe 
>vhole State, and the same was tinished in the month of J)ecember. 

An earnest ett'ort was made to secure local returns from 
• ach county and section ofthe whole State, and thns make the 
b(»ok a ])erfectly impartial exposition ofthe actual inducements 
of each particular section. 

Aci-ordiniilv the ]tubIication has been delayed from week 
to week and IVom month to month, in anxious expectation of full 
retui-ns, parlicularlv from "West and South and Central Florida, 
and in the mean time the constant call for information has been 
partially satisfied bv the distiibution irom this Department of 
the ^lanual of Florida and of such other phamplilets as were at- 
lainable. 

In the mean while having received the ap]iointment of 
Commissioner of Immigration, 1 am so j)ressed by other otlicial 
<luties that the conclusion of this l)ook can be delayed no long- 
vr, and other matter selected from various sources, is inserted 
Xi) lill the space that would have been occupied by the local re- 
un-ns, had they been received. 

Continued ettbrts will be made U> obtain, as soon as j)Os- 
siblc the fullest practicable reports from all the various counties, 
and such reports will be j)ublislied in eomiection with informa- 
tion as to the various routes of travel and other matters of in- 
terest to Immigrants. 

Hespectfully submitted, .1. S. ADAMS. 



INTRODUCTION. 



The genial climate, variety of prodvictions, sparseuess of set- 
tlements, and consequent cheapness of land in tlie Southern 
States, has arrested the attention of thousands in foreign lands 
and in the Nortliern States of our own country ; and the im- 
mense tide of emigration, which for the last quarter of a century 
has flowed so steadily and powerfully towards the " Great 
West," is destined in the future to change its direction, find flo^v 
as rapidly and steadily towards the Southern States, if the proper 
means are used to spread abroad accurate knowledge of the 
actual inducements that are ottered to settlers. 

In order to draAv to themselves as large a portion of this im- 
migration as possible, most of the Western and Southern States 
have established, or are about to establish, a department of the 
C4overnment to wliich the special charge of this matter of immi- 
gration is committed. 

Florida has followed in this matter the promptings of her 
own good sense and the example of other States. 

She has entrusted the oversight and promotion of immigra- 
tion to a special officer, styled the Commissioner of Immigra- 
tion, has made such officer a member of the Governor's cabinet, 
and empowered lum to establish a "Bureau of Immigration, for 
the purpose of furnishing information, and for the encourage- 
ment of immigration." 

It is in the interest of tliis department that, as the Constitu- 
tion directs, this book is prepared " for the furnishing informa- 
tion and for the encouragement of immigration." 

Tlie design is, within comparatively narroAv limits to give as 
complete a knowledge as is possible of the general characteris 
tics of the State, in regard to its topography, climate, soil, pro- 
ductions and condition, political and social ; and, in short, to 
answer, as fully as possible, all those manifold questions that 
would naturally arise in the mind of a sensible man who has in 
mind the intention of settling in the State. And as confirma- 
tory of such general statements, local information has been 
solicited from intelligent and judicious men in every section of 
the State. 

All exaggeration and fancy coloring, which are the occasional 
characteristics of some of the many publications of this nature. 



will be carefully avoided. Xo effort will be spared to make the 
statements of fact herein contained perfectly reliable. The 
exact truth will be sought and presented. The most anthentic 
sources of information will be applied to, and not an assertion 
of fact made that cannot be veriiied by evidence ; and special 
care vrill be exercised that no section or county of tlie State be 
noticed at the expense of others, but that a liiir, truthful and 
impartial representation of the capacity and desirability of each 
portion be made. 

But, while circulars desirinix information on local resources 
have been sent to all pai-ts of tlie State, the success of the effort 
to give a showing that shall be impartial and fair to all Avill 
depend much upon the promptness and fullness of the returns 
that are received. 

"Whatever may be the other faults of the book, it is hoped 
that its truthfulness and reliability may be such, as to cover all 
its sins, even should they be many. 

Tlie delay that has already occurred in the i)resentation of 
such information has been such, that the preparation of the book 
is inevitably hurried, and this fact will excuse such evidences of 
haste as the book will be apt to exhibit, 

Every important interest of Florida urges her to strive for 
her due share of the immense immigration that is rolling its vast 
tide towards the South, but none of these interests are important 
enough to excuse any attempt on her j^art to attract Avithin her 
borders a single settler by Avilful mistatements of fact. The 
truth in regard t6 her ca]>acity and resources is one of tliose 
truths, which, whcji fairly presented, is "mighty and will 
prevail." 



GEOGllAPIIY. 

Some knowledge of the geography of a country is, under any 
and all circumstances, nearly indispensible to enable one to 
obtain a thorough acfiuaintance with its present resources and 
])Ossible capacity. This knowledge of the geography of the 
Southern States is particularly necessary for those Avho come to 
the Southern States from the Xorth or from abroad; for many 
Avell known facts, and susceptible of abundant proof by the best 
of evidence, arc almost if not entirely incredil)le, because they 
would be simj)ly impossible, if in the climate, and soil, and 
under the atmosphere of the Nortli. 

Therefore, to those who wish to become fully informed in 
respect to Florida, her ])cculiar geography becomes, of necessity, 
a matter of interest. 

Tlie geography of Florida is unique, and is of special interest, 
because many of the important characteristics of the State which 



seem to be coiTtradietorj^, if not impossible, are easily explained 
by a consideration of its pecnliar position and geographical 
character. 

The shape of Florida is somewhat like that of a boot upside" 
down, the foot part extending northwardly, and the leg pointino- 
to the south. The foot part thus extends some 350 miles, from 
East to West, along the parallel of 31^ North Latitude and 
from 80^ to 88^ AYest Longitude from Greenwich; while the 
part that Avould represent the leg, or the peninsular proper, 
extends Southwardly from 3 1^" to 25'^ North Latitude, thus 
reaching over some 400 miles. 

The State contains 59,268 square miles, or 37,931,520 acres. 
The whole territory lies within the region denominated as 
"hot" by the Physical Geographers, and is in the same Latitiide 
with Northern Mexico, the Desert of Sahara, Central Arabia, 
Northern Hindostan, the Northern portion of Burmah. and the 
Southern portion of China ; but its comparative degree of heat 
is not accurately indicated by its latitude, for accurate scientific 
observation shows it to be isothermnl with Southern California, 
Louisiana, the Bermudas, the Island of Madeira, Barbary, 
EgyjDt, Northern Arabia, Persia, Northern Plindostan, Thibet 
and Southern China. Moreover, the results that might be ex- 
pected from its geographical location are materially aifected by 
its peninsular shape, and its oceanic surroundings. The main 
portion of its surfoce is included in a peninsular projection ex- 
tending southwardly between the Gulf of Mexico, and the Gulf 
Stream, whicli, in its exit, traverses its Eastern coast for about 
300 miles. 

The peninsula averages in Avidth about ninety miles, and is 
tannd bj'' the Gulf winds on one side and the Trade winds on 
the other, and thus, with so slight a breadth, eycrj portion is 
exposed to the balmy and vivifying influences of almost constant 
oceanic winds, and, from all these geographical peculiarities has 
resulted a pleasantness and salubrity of climate, and a poAver of 
vegetable production so wonderful as to be almost incredible. 

The surface of the State is, as a whole, remarkably level 
though this is more characteristic of the Eastern and AVestern 
portion than of the central ])art. From the Apalachicola East- 
ward to the SuAvannee, and WestAvard about the same distance, 
the surface is somcAvhat rolling, and an occasional ridge of AA'hat 
are called hills lends a sort of A-ariety to the somcAvhat monoto- 
nous succession of pine, hammock and cypress lands stretcliing 
as far as the eye can reach OA'er an almost dead leA'el. 

Perhaps the niost marked of the geographical features of the 
State is to be found in the enormous extent of her coast line, 
AA-hich on the Atlantic and the Gulf exceeds eleven hundred 
miles, and the coast line is also remarkable for the great number 
of large bays and estuaries, AA'hicli furnish facilities for commer- 
cial intercourse that in the near future Avill hasten the develop- 



nicnt of tlie resources of "Western ami Soulli "Western Floridii 
beyond the ex])ectations of tlie most sanguine. 

Another marked geourapliical feature of the State is found in 
the number of hirge and navi^-nble streams. The Apahicliicola, 
the Smvanuee, the iSt. 3Iary's and tlie St. Johns Avouhl be 
noticeable rivers anywhere, and the St. Johns is one of the most 
surjtrising rivers on the globe. AVlien it is considered that not 
an eminence in East Florida attahis the lieight of 200 feet, the 
St. Johns, fed in great degree by the oozing Avaters of the Ever- 
glades, and Avinding through a very level region, Avill strike any 
stranger Avith astonishment as he ascends it and finds its average 
breadth for 150 miles to be more, rather than less, than two 
miles. The ebb and ilow of the tide are quite perceptible at 
the upper end of Lake George, more than 150 miles from the 
mouth of the St. Johns. 

Although the general character of the soil of Florida is sandy, 
rstill fc-vr portions of the Avhole United States are more bounti- 
fully provided with water, and that easily accessible. Springs 
of all kinds, some of clear sweet water, some strongly impreg- 
nated with sulphur, and others characterized by Aanous mineral 
admixtures, are so abundant as to be little noticed. Some of 
these springs are of gigantic proportions, so large that complete 
rivers rush at once irom the veiy bowels of the eai-th; and to 
those who have never seen them, or those similar to them, a 
plain and simple description of these becomes almost incredible. 

Tavo of the most famous of these springs are thns described in 
"Williams' History of Florida. " The "Wakulla River rises about 
ten miles X. "W.of St. ^larks, from one of the finest spring in 
Florida, or perhaps in the world. It is of an oval form, the 
largest diameter of Avhich is about six rods. It is of an unknown 
depth and perfectly transparent. In lookiug into it, the color 
resembles a clear blue sky, except near the border, whei'e it has 
a slight tinge of green from the reflection of the surrounding 
verdure, Avhich hangs over it in (b-ooping branches and waving 
festoons. Tlie Eastern side presents a rugged, rocky j^recipice; 
all else is an abyss of boundless depth. S(iuadrons of fish are 
seen careering around "their own world" in ]ierfect eeciirity. 
The water is moderately cold, and highly impregnated Anth 
lime. 

'"Tlie beauty of the foimtain, the luxuriance of the foliage 
around it, and the calm retirement of the Avhole scene, render 
this one of the most charming spots that "West Florida aftbrds." 

"The big sjtring of Chipola, offers a very different scene. Here 
also a river bursts from the earth, Avith a giant force, from large 
masses of ruirged rocks, Avith furious rapidity, as though impa- 
tient of restraint. The orifice opens to the South-west, from a 
high swelling bank, scattered over Avith large oak trees. East 
and "West tlu' orifice may be thirty feet, by eight feet wide. A 
large rock divides the mouth almo'st into two jiarts, at a consid- 



orable depth below the surface. The water acts as a prism ; all 
objects seen tlirougli it on a sun-sliiiiy clay, reflect all the colors 
of the rainbow. This spring at once forms a river, six rods 
wide, and eight feet deep, which joins the Chipola river at about 
ten miles distance." 

Such is the description of the sober historian. Silver Spring, 
in Marion County, is another of these remarkable springs, large 
enough to admit to its very source the steamers tliat navigate 
the Ocklawaha IJiver. 

And in any part of the State; from the sands of the sea beach 
to the clay soils of the central portion, good water can easily be 
reached in wells of from 10 to 20 feet in depth. 

A mere glance at the map will show almost innumerable lakes, 
ponds, rivers and creeks, very uniformly scattered throughout 
the whole surface of the State. 



HISTORY. 

Some little knowledge of the history of Florida is indispeusi- 
ble to a right understanding and appreciation of her present 
condition ; for, without such knowledge, the scantiness of the 
present i^opulation ot the State is perfectly inexplicable, when 
taken in connection with its natural fertility, its genial climate 
and the immense scope of its possible agricultural production. 
If Florida has such a desirable climate and such a variety and 
power of vegetable growth, "why are there not more people 
there ? " is an inevitable question, which is best answered by a 
glance at her past liistory. 

Florida was first , discovered in 1497, by Sebastian Cabot, a 
navigator, sailing under the English Flag ; but formal possession 
of her territory was first taken, in behalf of Spain, by De Nar- 
vaez in 1525. In 1562 it is probable that a temporary settle- 
ment was formed near the mouth of St. Johns by Kibault, a 
Frenchman. 

In 1564, under the protection of Admiral Coligny, a settle- 
ment of Huguenots was formed under the leadership of Lardon- 
ierre on the south bank of the St. Johns, and about six leagues 
above its mouth. This settlement was called Carolin, and was 
completely destroyed by the Spaniards under Menendez in 1565, 
who massacred all that escaped death in the fight "not as 
Frenchman, but as lieretics." This murderous act was fully 
avenged by a Frenchman, De Gourges, who, in 1659 led an ex- 
] (edition especially against Fort Carolin, and massacred the 
Spanish garrison "not as Spaniards but as murderers." 

In 1565, the same Menendez founded a Spanish colony at St. 





Aii'^'ustine, thus cstablisliing the lirst ponuaiiont European town 
on the continent of Xorth ^Vmerica. 

In 1584, as the result of various expeditions, the area of Span- 
isli occupation and conquest liad become so extended tliat the 
authority of Sjjain was acknowledged by the natives, not only 
throughout Florida, but as lar west as tlie Mississipi, and as far 
nortlx as the mountains of Georgia. 

In 1586 St. Augustine was attacked and plundered, by a party 
of English ad.venturers under Drake. In l6ll it Avas pillaged 
by the Indians ; and in 1065 was sacked by another party of 
Englsh ])irates under Davis. 

in 16S0 Pensacola was settled by the Spanish. 

1702 St. Augustine was imsuccessfuUy attacked by Gov. 
Moore, of theEnglisli Colony of South Carolina. In 1725 Col. 
Palmer of Georgia also failed in an effort to take the city ; and 
in 1740 Gen. Oglethorpe, of Georgia, was signally repnlsed in a 
similar nndertaking. 

In 1763 the whole territory of Florida was ceded l)y Spain to 
Great Brittain, but the entire population of the territory, at the 
time of the cession, did not exceed six hundred. 

In 1767 Doct. Turnbull, an English colonist located at Xcav 
Smyrna, imported lifteen liundred Corsicans andMinorcans hav- 
ing deluded them by unstinted ])romises of land and employ- 
ment at high wages, and then subjected them to a system of op- 
l)ression, similar and scarce less severe than slavery, till after tlie 
lapse of some ten years, they escaped in a body from liis servi- 
tude, and betook theniselves to St. Augustine, where they set 
tied down and ultimately became a i)rominent and valuable ele- 
ment of the population of tliat section. 

In 1781 the Spanisli captured IVnsacola, and the English 
again lost ])Ossession of Florida; and in 1784 the territory Avas 
once more formally ceded to Spain. 

In 1812 Fernandina capitulated to troops of the United States, 
but was, during the next year, re-delivered to the Spanish Gov- 
ernment. 

In 1814 the Englisli forces, under command of Col. Nichols 
entered and manned tlie forts at Pensacola, although the Avhole 
country was nominally under tlie control of Spain ; and in 
1818 Gen. Jackson attacked and cajitured Pensacola, in behalf 
of the United States. 

In 1810 Florida was purchased by the United States, and was 
formally ceded by Spain. In 1822 a territorial government was 
established; in i 845 Florida was admitted to the Union; and 
in January 1861 she seceded. 

Sucli is a brief abstract of the leading facts in the history of 
Florida. "What a picture it ])resents! Discovered in 1497, per- 
manently settled in 1565, ceded to Great Britain in 1763, with a 
population of only six hundred, after a colonial existence of two 
hundred years, receded to Spain in 1784, sold and ceded to the 



United States in 1819, receiving a territorial government in 1822' 
admitted to the Union in 1845, seceding in 1861, and recon- 
structed in 1868; sacked and pillaged repeatedly by Em-opeans; 
shifting its nationality from time to time and losing almost its 
entire population by each change ; harrased and plundered hj 
repeated Indian wars from 1816 to 1858, and just as prosperity 
began to dawn, plunged unnecessarily into the iiseless slaughter 
of a hopeless rebellion, she has suffered every evil, political and 
social, that does not involve absolute extinction. 

The wonder truly is, not that she has not attained a more 
flourishing condition, biit that she exists at all, and that her 
boundless forests, her lovely rivers and her beautiful lakes are 
not fast locked in the silent embrace of a moveless desolation, 

Yv^ithout such reference to her previous history, there would 
be an irreconcilable discrepancy between the present condition 
of Florida and that which might naturally be expected from a 
consideration of her fertility, her climate, and her resources. 



POPULATION^. 

The population of Florida in 1860, was 140,123, but in 1867 
it had increased to 153,659, having thus increased by 13,236, or 
something over nine per cent. 

This is a very respectable addition, when we conside that it 
occurred during a period of war, and general and local distur- 
bance and confusion. 

This population is distributed through the various Counties 
of the State, as follows in a table compiled from the census 
returns. 



COUNTIES. 


H 

M 


s 

O 

o 


< 
H 




03 

H 


s 


u 


< 
H 

H 




37b7 

224 
89:5 
1388 
2582 
80 
2925 
3654 
1878 
3981 


4465 

'745 

22 

551 

520 

2064 
3 

2149 

2114 
526 

5415 


8282 

3820 
246 
1446 
1914 
4646 
83 
5074 
5763 
1904 
9396 


4191 
1015 
2018 
224 
1015 
1388 
3577 
80 
4580 
3732 
1349 
3268 


6812 
189 
409 
22 
385 
52(5 

2732 
3 

6696 

2153 
56tJ 

4314 


11003 


Baker 


1204 


Bradford 


2427 


Brevard* 


246 
1400 


Clay * 


1914 




63oa 


Dade * 


83 


Duval 


11276 




5885 


i'ranklin 


1915 


Gadsden 


7572 




The nuinbcr ot mak'S over 21 years of ao'C is of -wliites, 
16,oo2, and of colored, 15,104, ijcivini? a total of 31,636. 

It "will bo observed from the above table, that in some por- 
tions of the State, the ])0])ulation has more than doubled in seven 
years, but this increase is owin<5 rather to circumstances, than 
to the comparative richness and fertility of the soil ; while the 
location of tliis increase alontj the Railroads and navigable 
water courses, demonstrates that we are indebted to immigra- 
tion mainly therefor, and tliis fact is strongly indicative of what 
may be accomplishetl in the future under an active and efficient 
discharge of the duties intrusted to the Commissioner of Immi- 
gration, if tlie ])eople of the State give liim that hearty co-oper- 
ation Avliicli tliey seem disposed to otter. 

Xotliing but a common eft'ort t<i make known the actual and 
possible resources of the State, and Legislative action, is neces- 
sary to direct hither a large portion of that outHow of men and 
means Avhich is steadily issuing from the Northern and latterly 
from the Western States, and from foreign coimtries. 



I'OLITICAL COXDITIOX AND GOYERXMENT. 

Tile ])olitical condition of tlie State may be said to be very 
encouraging. It is true that Florida, at the outbreak of the 
Rebellion, adopted the doctrines of Secession, and fought brave- 



ly to secure their supremacy, and suffered largely in the war ; 
but she always had a very large loyal element. i\Iany of her 
citizens were strongly attached to the Union and proA'-ed it hy 
their constancy under much suffering and sacrifice. The vote 
upon secession was exceedingly close, and while her citizens 
bore their full share in the support of the Eebellion, still when 
the war was ended, her people accepted the result A\-ith as much 
good faith as the people of any Southern State. It was inevi- 
table that much of bitterness of feeling should exist and that 
some remnants of hostility sliould remain after the great col- 
lapse ; but it may with truth be said that less of bitterness and 
liard feeling was exhibited, after the war, in Florida, than in 
any other seceding State. And there has been less of actual 
outrage and violence, than anyv/here else in the Southern 
States. 

Florida accepted the proffered policy of President Johnson, 
organized anew a State Govermnent in all its branches, which 
went into comparatively peaceful operation. This caused the 
disappointment of many of her people to be more poignant, 
when the Congressional policy of Reconstruction prevailed and 
all her labors of reorganization were made sutile and set aside. 

Biit notwithstandg this, and although many instances of 
disorderly conduct and some of violence and even blood shed 
have occurred, in no other Southern State has there been so lit- 
tle of the administration of Lynch law, or so much of quiet and 
the regular pursuit of the ordinary avocations of business. 

Since the election which gave to the State a regularly organ- 
ized State Government, the spirit of submission "to law and of 
good feeling between the different classes of the citizens has 
been constantly and rapidly increasing, and the time is not very 
far distant when the absolute extinction of the old political 
issues will be fully recognized and the hostility and bitterness 
which were the inevitable consequences of civil war will be bu- 
ried with the caiises which produced them. 

It is not intended to assert that the Reconstruction policy of 
Congress met with no opposition in Florida ; for in fact it en- 
countered an organized and determined opposition, but this op- 
position had more of the element of regular political antagon- 
ism and less of violent and fractious conduct, than was found in 
any other Southern State. 

After a somewhat excited contest, the people of the State, by 
a very respectable majority, determined to have a Convention 
for the con.struction of a form of Constitutional Government, 
and the Convention elected imder the legislation of Congress, 
assembled at the Capitol on the 20th day of January, 1S68, and 
after a brief session, completed their work by the formation of 
a State Constitution, which, on being submitted to the people, 
was ratified by a large majority. The Constitution having been 
approved by Congress, and all tlie conditions of the Kecon- 



10 

structiou acts having: been complied w-itli, Florida has been re- 
admitted to the Xational Councils, and has resnmed her appro- 
priate position amono; lier sister States. 

The new Constitution of Florida has been criticised severely, 
as v\-as to be expected, and grave objections have been made to 
some of its provisions ; but on the whole, Ave believe it will 
compare favorably with the Constitutions of the other States, 
and that inider it none of the rights of the people can be "with- 
held or impaired. 

Tlie Executive ])0Avcr of the State is vested in a Governor, 
Avho is elected for four years. The Legislative jiower is vested 
in a Senate and Assembly. The former consists of twenty-four 
members elected for four years ; the latter, of fifty-three mem- 
bers elected for two years. The first Tuesday after the first 
Monday in Xovcmber is designated for the election of State 
and County Officers and memi)ers of the Legislature. Annual 
sessions of the Legislature are to l)e held commencing on the 
first Tuesday after the first Monday in January. 

The Judicial power is vested in a Supreme Court, Circuit 
Courts, County Courts, and Justices of the Peace. The State 
is divided into seven Circuits. Two terms of the Circuit Court 
are held yearly in each County. The Supreme Court is to be 
held at the Capitol of the State. 

The Supreme Court is invested with the usual powers be- 
stowed upon that tribinial elsewhere, having authority to issue 
all Avrits necessary for the exercise of its power. 

The Circuit Courts in the several Judicial Circuits, have the 
powers and jurisdiction which usually ap])ertain to County 
Courts in the Northern States. 

"The Comity Courts which are organized in each County, are 
Courts of Oyer and Terminer having jurisdiction of all 
civil eases where the amount in controversy docs not exceed 
three hundred dollars; and its jurisdiction shall be final in all 
civil cases where the amount in controversy docs not exceed 
one hundred dollars ; but in no case shall the County Court 
have jurisdiction when the title or boundaries of real estate is 
in controversy, or where the jurisdiction Avill conflict with that 
of the several Courts of record ; but they may have co-exten- 
sive jurisdiction with the Circuit Coui'ts in cases of forcicle en- 
try and xuilaAvful detention of real estate, subject to a])peal to 
the Circuit Court. The County Court shall have full surrogate 
or ])robate jiowers, but subject to appeal. Provision shall be 
made by law for all other ])owers, duties and responsibilities of 
the County Courts and Judges." 

"There shall be a regular trial term of the County Courts six 
times in each year, at such times and places as may be prescribed 
by law. 

Grand and petit jurors shall be taken from the registered 
voters of the respective counties." 



11 

There are some other features of tlie ne-^^ CoiiRfitutiou that 
are eminently worthy of notice. 

1. It secm-es immediate and absohite civil and political 
rights to all before the law, irrespective of race, color or condi- 
tion. Neither the words white or black, are to be found in the 
instniment. Its spirit is that of equal right andimpartial just- 
tice to all. 

2. The right of petition of habeas corpus and the entire liber- 
ty of conscience, so long as that liberty does not run into licen- 
tiousness, are secured to all by plenary provisions. 

3. Excessive bail, that convenient instrument for the gratifi- 
cation of private hate and public oppression, is expressly pro- 
hibited. 

4. The right of free speech, so far as consists with private jus- 
tice and public safety, is amply secured. 

5. There can be no imprisonment for debt except in cases of 
fraud. 

6. Foreigners who are or may become bona fide residents of 
the State, are to enjoy the same rights in regard to the posses- 
sion, enjoyment and inheritance of property Avliich appertain to 
native born citizens. 

Y. Slavery and secession are in specific terms and most sol- 
emnly abjured, and it is provided that "this State shall ever re- 
main a member of the American Union, the people thereof a 
part of the American nation, and any attempt, from whatever 
source, or upon whatever pretence, to dissolve said Union or to 
sever said nation, shall be resisted with the whole power of this 
State." 

8. The right to have arms in self defence is o-uaranteed to 
every citizen. 

9. Ample authority for the establishment and support of in- 
stitutions for the insane, the deaf and the blind is given. 

10. Counties are empowered and directed to see that the poor 
are cared for at the public exj^ense. 

11. It provides with the utmcst liberality for a noble and gen- 
erous and comprehensive system of Education, consisting of free 
Public Schools, Seminaries, ahd a University, equally open to 
all, and depending for sufficient support upon general taxation 
of all real and j^ersonal property. 

12. It makes provision for a uniform and equable assessment 
of all property of 3 very description in the State, and for a just 
and equal taxation of the same. 

13. The right of trial by jury is also, by special provision, 
guaranteed to all. 

14. It relieves the persons of the poor almost entirely froni 
taxation, by limiting the capitation tax for any and all purposes 
to one dollar per annum, thus throwing the burden of taxation 
mainly upon the property of the county. 

15. It exempts a liberal Homestead and a generous allow- 



12 

ance of personal property. "A Homestead to the extent of one 
lu;ndred and sixty acres land, or tlie lialf of one acre Avithin tlie 
limits of any incorporated city or town, owned Ly tlie head of 
a family residing- in this State, together witli one thousand dol- 
lars worth of personal property shall be exempted from forced 
sale nnder any process of law.,, Such is the language of the 
Constitution, which also secures the mechanics' and laborers' 
lien u])on property to "which his labor has given an added valne, 
by previding : "But no }>roperty shall be exeinpt from sale for 
taxes, or fur the payment of obligations contracted for the pur- 
chase of said premises, or for the erection of improvements 
thereon." 

16. All Lotteries are expressly prohibited. 

IT. The Governor is assisted in his deliberation by a Calnnet 
composed of tlie pricipal officers of the State, viz: The Secretary 
of State, the Attorney General, the Comptroller, the State 
Treasurer, the Surveyor General, the Superintendent of Instruc- 
tion and the Commissioner of Emigration. This is a novel fea- 
ture in the frarae-Avork of a State Government, and altough such 
an arrangement may, in case of dissentiou between diftereut 
members of the Cabinet, or whose differences of opinion be- 
tween the Govtrrnor and his Cabinet occur which are irreconcil- 
able, obstruct the operation of the Government, and work harm 
to the best interests of the State, still it is difficult to discern 
Avhy a Cabinet, Avhich tlie experience of years has showni to 
be advantageous in the management of National affairs, should 
not be desirable in the direction of affairs of a single State. 

The Governor having the sole ]ioAver of nominating to the 
Senate the members of which his Cabinet must be composed, 
has, in his option, the pov>-er to surround himself Avith the 
soundest judgment and best ability in the State, and protit by 
their council and advice. It may be doubted Avhetlior this 
alone, is not sufficient to counterbalence all objections that can 
be made to the existence of a State Cabinet. 

18. All the officers of the government are made liable to im- 
peachment and removal fi-om office, not only for the causes 
commonly assigned, but also for drunkeness, gambling and con- 
duct detrimental to good morals. 

19. IJribery, betting ui)on the result of elections, and duel- 
ing, exclude not only from office, but also I'rom exercising the 
ight of suffrage. 

20. In all cases Avherc a general law can be made a]>plicable, 
the Legislature is prohibited from ])assing any local or special 
law. 

21. Tile Constitution extends an e(|nal j>articipation in a^^^ 
rights aiivl ])rivileges to all of foreign birth who have declare*! 
their intention to become citizens of the United States. 

22. "The Legislature shall enact laAvs requiring educational 
'lualifications for electors after the year 1880, but no such laAV 



13 

shall be made applicable to any elector who may have register- 
ed and voted at any election previous thereto." 

23. The Judges of the Supreme Court are appointed for life ; 
the Circiiit Judges for eight years ; the Judges of the County 
Court are appointed for four years. States Attorneys are also 
appointed for four years. Senators are elected for four years, 
members of tlie Assembly for two years. 

Such are some of the leading characteristics of tlie new Con- 
stitution, vrhich, as before remarked, will compare not nnf:i- 
vorably with that of any other State. 

A somevfhat extended reference is here made to the leading- 
features of the Constitution. First, because thoughtful and in- 
telligent men who are considering the eligibility of Florida as 
a place of settlement, desire and will appreciate the informa- 
tion tlms given, and secondly, because many erroneous notions 
in regard to the character of our State Constitution liave circu- 
lated abroad, deriving their origin from those misstatements 
and exagerations whicli are always afloat in times of political 
excitement. 

The possession of these features that are recognized as valu- 
able in other well establshed and well received Constitutions 
which liave operated well in other States Avill commend tlie 
Constitution of our State to all, while the permanence of the 
tenure of the Judges, giving assurance of an independent Ju- 
diciary — and generally the length of the tenure of ofHce of all 
the prominent ofliccrs of the State will attract attention and 
win commendation. 

The ample provision for the easy and rapid administration of 
Justice by the number and distribution of the Courts will form 
another strong claim to regard, as will also the ample provis- 
ions for homestead exemptions, for general education, and the 
just and liberal extension of equal rights to all of every class 
without reference to place of birth, race or previous condition, 
and many other provisions. 

Indeed, it is believed that the ConstitiUion of Florida will 
not, upon the whole, suffer by comparison Avith that of any oth- 
er State, North or South, Avhile objections which exist as to 
some of its features in those who are necessarily, from want of 
accpiaintance with our people and our peculiar circumstances, 
forced to judge upon merely theoretical grounds, would disap- 
pear upon the acquisition of a more perfect knowledge of the 
circumstances in which the Constitution must operate, and by 
which its character was necessarily somewhat controlled. 



SOCIAL CONDITIOX 



In considering the condition of society hi Florida, and in the 
formation and appreciation of conclusions reac-hed, it is first 



14 

and ahvays to be borne in mind, tliat Florida, althouiih in fact 
the oldest settled State in the Union, is, jjcrhaps vrhh. tlie sin- 
gle exception of Oregon, probably the most sparsely settled, 
exhibiting in 1860 a pojiulation of only 2.37 to the square mile. 

Again in comparing, as is natural, this State with any of the 
Xorthern States, it is to be remembered that she started and 
has i)rogressed under very different circumstances from those 
attending the growth and progress of any other State, either 
North or Soutli, and has had far more tlian her proportion of 
of obstacles and obstructions to contend wih, both jjolitically 
and socially. 

In other States, whatever government has been oi-iginally 
ado})ted, the same has thereafter remained in force, except as 
affected by the rebellion, with very little alteration ; and thus 
in those States, age and stability have added force to all the 
elements of growth, strength and pros]ierity, have tended 
gradually and naturrlly to overcome the intluences adverse to 
the development of each. But from the earliest ])eriod in her 
history, Florida has had iio stable and permanent growth, but 
has been tossed about from nation to nation like a veritable 
political shuttlecock, with no opportunity to grow in strength, 
and actually weakened by successive changes. 

In other States, whatever may have been the circumstances 
of their original settlement, and however adverse may have 
been the character and deriviation of the different elements of 
their poinilation, the equality of all before the law, the com- 
mon enjoyment of the same opportmiities and privileges, and 
the common partici])ation in administering democratic govern- 
iiients have all uniformly and powerfully tended by gradual 
but rapid assimilation towards a homegenity of ])opnlation. 
But all such tendencies in Florida have been effectually check- 
ed by her frequent and successive changes of nationality. 
There has not been, and there could not well have been, that 
intimate commingling of races Avhich i)revails elseAvhere, and 
is indis]iensible to political and social progress. 

Florida, thongh in fact an old State, has all the character- 
istics of an entirely new settled State. Its circumstances and 
its political uncertainties have not only not attracted immigra- 
tion, but have really from time to time driven from her valuable 
elements of population. The better portion of the Spanish 
l)0])idation departed when the English took possession, and 
when, in turn, the country was re-ceded to Sjtain, the English 
settlers who had just begun to receive rich rewards for their 
agricultm-al investments, and by Avhose skill a brilliant 
fntuiv had begun to appear, took tlieir de])arture, some volun- 
tarily and some under government compulsion ; and so again 
and again, the progress made by each nationality was abso- 
lutely lost in the occupation of its successor. 

Thus the State is still a Avild and new State. Tlie rank 



15 

SfroAVtli of tlie forest trees ovcr-sliadowed and concealed the 
vestiges of successive occupations, and the traveller is often 
astonished to fine in the middle of dense forests the ruins of 
mills, and houses, and the remains of ditches and canals on a 
grand scale, silent bxit significant mementos of a recent though 
an almost forgotten jDast. 

The scanty population of less than 200,000 is scattered over 
an immense territory of nearly 60,000 square miles, and has 
been engaged almost entirely in agriculture ; and the main and 
hitherto all absorbing object of that pursuit has been the rais- 
ing of cotton. The pre-eminence given this crop, and the 
jDrevalence of slave labor have conspired to stimulate the 
universal Southern passion for the acquisition of land, and 
thus have all combined to crush out all diversity of occupa- 
tions not directly tributary to and concerned in the raising of 
cotton. There has been no tendency to settle in villages and 
communities, but the general tendency has been towards a 
separation rather than concentration of population. Whether 
or not cotton has been "is king" it has certainly been a social 
tyrant, and decreeing its votaries to the vast solitudes of 
remote plantations, has prevented the formation of those small 
villages as centres of population, where, as in the ISTorthern 
States, the School, the Church, the Press and Post Oflice are 
recognized as the essential instruments and means of social 
progress, — necessities of socsal existence, that must be had 
rather than as conveniences or luxuries. 

Accordingly disappointment will surely meet those Avho, 
coming from other sections, and particularly from the North, 
anticipate the enjoyment here now of the same social advan- 
tages to which they have been accustomed at home. All such 
means of social culture and improvement are easily possible 
here as elsewhere, but here as elsewhere they must follow, — 
they cannot precede, — an absolute and entire change in the 
methods of agriculture, and an increase in the diversity of 
occupations. It is hard to change the habits, whether social or 
agricultural, of communities, and as hard to implant new social 
wants except by the introduction of agencies of a new and 
different character. Hence we need strong immigration of new 
mon with now views and new desires first, and then the means 
of gratifying the social needs of a progressive society will fol- 
low. 

Schools and Churches are to be found in all the towns and 
villages throughout the State, but there has hitherto been no 
pu lie school system in the Southern States, as such systems 
are known in the North and West. In all of these the popula- 
tion has arranged itself, and naturally enough, under the 
aristocratic tendencies of slavery, into the three divisions of 
Planters, Poor Whites and Slaves — safety forbade the educa- 
tion of the slaves, — the poor whites neither de^ired nor could 



16 

attbnl the expense of private schools, niul the planters, havhig 
tlie means, i)reforred private to ])nblic schools. And of course 
the local uovernmonts, adniinistered in the interests of the 
M'caltliy classes, would ncithci" estahlish nor enforce any system 
of public free sc1kh)1s. 

IJut the ratification by the ]»eople of the new constitution 
i;ives assurance of the thoro'uirh reconstruction of tin.- State 
under much more favorable auspices in all directions. The es- 
tablishment andi)rovision by adequate taxation for the support 
of a sufficient system of public schools is a leadiuLi: feature of 
the constitution, and can easily be so administered as to meet 
all the i)resent and future educational wants of the State. 

When the inducements of various kinds Avhich Florida holds 
out to immigration shall be iully known in other sections ol' 
the country, it is confidently antici])ated that a tide of popula- 
tion from all sections will flow in that will enable tlie material 
resources of the State to be developed, and then all desirable 
social advantages and opjjortunities will follow. 

The spirit of the })eo]>le, taken as a v«'hole, is good, as good 
as uiuler the circumstances could reasonably be expected by 
thoughtful and observing men. In estimating properly the 
])resent social condition of the State, special reference must be 
had to the radical revolution that has been wrought in all mat- 
ters, social and i)olitical, Avithin the last i'vw^ years. The col- 
lapse of such a rebellion, and the comj)lete dissipation of the 
dreams indulgetl, have, of necessity, left a degree of soreness 
aiul disaj)pointment residting in a bitterness of feeling Avhich is 
not umuitural, and which could not reasonably Ijc unexpected 
by any reasonable man. 

\\\*\ one of the results has been a sort of natural settling of 
the i)oi)»Uation into three classes, the native whites who favor- 
ed secession ; the loyal Avhitcs with the Xortherners, and the 
Freedmen, — and much time must necessarily elapse, under tlu- 
most f:ivorable circumstances, before these classes, so recently 
placed in such diverse and antagonistic relations to each other, 
can (juietly settle down together to stand upon the same plat- 
form of enjoyment, of identically the same rights, and the exer- 
cise of the same rights ami ])rivileges. It would be simply prc- 
]tosterous to sui)i»ose that in so short a time the small class of 
privileged slaveholders forming the most compact and abso- 
lute social and political oligarchy known to history, should 
with ])erfect e<pianimitv see tiiemselves, shorn of their political 
])Owcr, and not only reduced to the conunon level of the simple 
democratic citizenship, but constrained to feign cheerfulness 
in the extension of all the rights of ecpial suffrage and politi- 
cal rights to those over whom they liad within a few years 
exercised all the rights of the most absolute ownership and 
complete control, and in addition to all this, to j-egard with 
instant and spontaneous attection the representatives of that 



loyalty aiul unionism tliat have brought tliese Avondrous changes 
about. 

Having reference, then, to all these things, it may be said 
with truth that the existing feeling of the whole ] »eople of Flor- 
ida towards immigrants is good, — as good as could with reason 
be anticipated. 

While it is undoubtedly true that a stranger could not rea- 
sonably hope to meet with as much cordiality and courtesy in 
the South, as in those more fortunate regions that have never 
l)een tossed in the boiling cauldron of secession, or Ijeen curs- 
ed -^nth the pressure of the iron heel of conquering armies in a 
bitter civil war, it is also true that there is absolutely nothing 
, to deter an immigrant who seeks to better his condition from 
settling in Florida, except the absence of that courtesy and 
kindness which he would receive at the "West ; or even in the 
South, before the terrible struggle for the death of slavery had 
perverted the minds and embittered the hearts of men. 

In our correspondence, the question is often asked, "Is it safe 
for a Northern man to come to Florida?" The answer is, that 
there is no sort of danger whatever. 

The immigrant of good character and habits will be rcadilv 
received by all. Southern men and women are not super-human, 
and cannot be expected suddenly to absolve themselves from 
the domination of those trahis of political thought and those 
j)revalent social notions that have ruled them for years, or to 
sympathize at once with the political ideas of a triuni])hant 
Eadicalism, 

But the Avhole jtopulation of the State is becoming rapidly 
convinced that "men, money and labor," are to be watch-words 
in the success of the future of Florida ; and indeed a recent 
movement lias been made in concert, -and associations are l)ein2: 
formed in the various counties to co-operate with the Bureau of 
Immigration about to be established under the new Constitution, 
in the promotion of Immigration, by offering all ]>racticable in- 
ducemeiits within their power ; and, at a recent puljlic meeting 
in Jacksonville, at which were re}n"esentatives from all parts of 
the State, the most eminent and influential men in the State, of 
all parties, united in expressing a determination to do all that 
could be done to promote the immigration upon which the fu- 
ture prosperity of the State must depend. 

Indeed, any good citizen, that proj>oses to pay special atten- 
tion to his own aflairs, will be welcomed by all, and this with- 
out any sacrifice of ]>rinciple, or any abridgement of his rights 
of free thought and free speech. 

Xorthern men and women, who niaj' come and persist in as- 
sociating exclusively with each other, and sequester themselves 
diligently from all social interccnirse with old residents, will be 
;illowed thus to indulge their social in-edileetions Avithoiit let or 
liindrance. 



]>ut tlio^^e Avlio come Avitli n disposition by incliviclual or gen- 
eral effort to contribnte to the common good, and assist the 
conimo)! i>rogress, and who Avill by social and kindly inter- 
course assist in the doing away of unfounded dislikes and un- 
reasonable prejudices, however Ijoldly, and o]K'n]y, and frank- 
ly, if only witii a riglit purpose they may vindicate their liglit 
of individual independence of thought and action, will not only 
be tolerated, but resjjccted and cherished. 

Still, it is as undoubtedly true of Florida as it was of Kansas, 
"and indeed is of every new state, that a Avant of the means and 
appliances for social comfort and advancement must, for a tinu- 
be expected by ncAV comers, and tlie best Avay in wliich immi- 
•jrants may a^'oid the consequent inconveniences and depriva- 
tions, is by coming in groups of five or more families, and thu;^ 
secure froiu the first tliose social interchanges wliich are of the 
first ini])ortance everywhere. 

Another and connnandiug recommendation for such group- 
ing of sucli innnigrants is to be found in tlie I'act tliat mucli of 
the most valuable land, botli for fertility and accessibility, is in- 
cluded in ]ai-ge tracts, wliicli Avere originally government grants 
and Avhose oAvners are disinclined to diA'ide and sell in smaller 
parcels. 

Such large tracts are often valuable, but larger than single 
settlers neccl or Avill buy, Avhile a colony of men avIio desired to 
settle together and form a community can combine their means, 
and thus" easily secure to each such portion as he desired, at 
reasonable rates. 

And tliis subdivision of hirge plantations is the first indis- 
pensiblo step to be taken before any general agricultural pros- 
perity can be ho]»ed for. 



CLDIATE. 

The cliinate ol Florida is one of its cliief attractions. 3Iiiu 
in AVinter, and not excessively liot in Sunnner, the temperature 
is more e<iuable tlian that of any other State of the Union. 
The thennometcr rarely falls below 30 = , or rises above 05 = . 
From the records contained in the Spanish arcliives at St. Aug- 
ustine, Ave learn, tliat the mean temperature of the Winter 
months for 100 years, averages a little over 60 ^ , and of the 
Summer months 80 ^ , Farenheit. Constant mention is made of 
the daily recurring sea-bi-eeze, Avhich cooled off" the alter jiart 
of the day, and gave a delightAd atmospliere for nightly rest. 
Here in Florida tlie many Avliose constitutions are feeble, or un- 
paired by disease, can find a refuge from the inclement Avinters 
of the Northern States. 



19 

It is not enough, however, for those -who think of making- 
Florida their future home, to know that her winters arc delight- 
ful. They want the facts about the climate, and especially 
aboi;t its healthfulness, all the year round. 

Hence, no question can be more important, and in fact, none 
is more frequently asked, than the qiiestion, " How does the 
climate of Florida affect the health of immigrants ? " The 
most unaccountable misapprehensions are very widely prevalent 
in regard to this topic, so that the received idea of many seems 
to be that Florida is a land of SAvamps, and her atmosphere sur- 
charged with the most noxious and poisonous vapors, to the ex- 
tent that makes the very hope of health and long life within 
her borders futile. 

Xow, in fact, if the sanitary statistics of the country, and the 
official reports of sanitary officials are entitled to the credence 
customarily conceded to them, not another State in the Unio)i 
can shoAV as clean a bill of health as can be exhibited by Flori- 
da. And this is more remarkable when it is remembered that 
a very large proportion of the transient population of the State 
is made up of invalids from other sections, who have come to 
Florida as a last resort, — despairing of any sanitary improve- 
ment elsewhere. 

For very many years St. Aiigustine has been known far and 
wide, as one of the most healthy locations in the whole country, 
or, indeed, in the world. For a hundred years her streets have 
been filled with invalids from ail parts of the world ; and the 
climate of St. Augustine is the climate of East Florida. North- 
erners have long resorted to Florida, to find in her mild and 
genial climate a relief from the piercing Avinds and frigid tem- 
perature of the Northern and Middle States; Avhile the cool and 
wholesome Avinds of the Atlantic and Gulf haA'e operated to 
bring annual croAvds from Alabama, Georgia and the Carolinas, 
to escape the blazing sun and torrid heats of those States. 
Those Avho, from frequent visitation and repeated experiment, 
are best informed, all unite in declaring the climate of Florida 
to be unequalled in the Avorld for comfort and health. 

That many die, and of consumptiA'e complaints, is iindoubt- 
edly true ; but of most of them it may be said they AA'ere doom- 
ed before they left home to try a Southern climate as their last 
hope, and that their Ha-cs have often been prolonged Avhere 
they had long been beyond all hope of complete restoration. 
Many a man, noAV in Florida, is enjoying a fine state of health, 
who Avould haA'C had, anyAvhere else, but slight hope of life 
CA'en. 

Some of the lands in various parts of the State are Ioav, and 
at the same time are exceedingly rich ; arid there, as in all re- 
gions Avhere a rank and luxuriant A'cgetable groAvth is general, 
Avill also be found those types of diseases Avhicli elscAvhere imi- 
versally characterize such regions. But all such diseases assume 



20 

a much milder type than in otlier j^ections where tliey are prev- 
alent. 

That there is m\ich swampy laud in the State is true, and it is 
also true that the dense vci^etable growth of the s\vami)S and 
lau'oons, and low hmm oclcs must, of course, Avhenever A'e<j:eta- 
hle decomposition occurs, furnish a ufreat deal of the food that 
nourishes fevers and kindred diseases; hut the etfects of theso 
causes are measurahly covuiterhallanccd l)y the almost constant 
breezes that fan the atmosi»here, and purge its evil humors, and 
the immense pre[»onderance of pine forests, o]K'n to the breezes, 
and perfuming the air Avith their pleasant and Avholesome odor. 

In a series of letters from an old resident of Florida, recently 
re-jtublished in Ocala, the climate and healthfulness of Florida 
are quite fidly treated, and an extract from the ]iamphlet is here 
inserted, as more authentic and more satisfactory than anv 
original matter Avhich we can furnish : — 

''The climate of Florida and especially that of the Peninsular, 
taking it the whole year round, is much more agreeable than 
any other in the United States ; and indeed it would be difficult 
to find a climate in any ]>art of the world so agreeable 
as this. The Avinters are delightful, five days out of six being 
bright and cloudless, and of the most agreeable temperature. 
In the Southern ]>ortion of the Peninsular frost is never felt, 
;nid even far North as the SuAvanee liiver there are generally 
but two or thi'ce nights in a Avhole whiter that ice as thick as a 
half dollar is found. Carver, in discussing the Avinters of the 
Peninsular, remarks : ' So mild are the Avinters in Fast Florida 
that the most delicate vegetables and ]ilants of the Carrabee 
Islands experience tliere not the least injury from that season; 
the orange tree, the banana, the |)lantain, the guava, tlie \nuiy- 
apple, etc., grow luxuriantly. Fogs are scarcely known there, 
lind no country can be more salubrious.' 

" The AAmitcr in Florida resembles very much that season 
which in the Middle States is termed 'Indian Summer,' except 
that in Florida the sky is perfectly clear, and the atmosphere 
more dry and elastic. Ilain but rarely falls during the Avinter 
months in Florida; tliree, four, and not unfrc(piently five Avceks 
of bright, clear aiul cloudless days occur continuously. This is 
one of the greatest charms of the Avinter climate in Florida ; 
and in this respect it forms a striking contrast Avith almost every 
State in the Union, and especially with Ti-xas, California, and 
( )regon. 

Contrary to Avhat might be expected, the summer Aveathcr in 
East Florida is much more agreeable, and its heat less oppres- 
sive (though its duration is much longer) tlian that Avhich is cx- 
jierienced in the Northern and ^Middle States. This is attribut- 
able in a great measure, to its jfcninsular ]»osition, Avhich causes 
it to be fanned on the East by the Atlantic breezes, and on the 
West by those of the Gulf of Mexico, both of Avliich can be dis- 



21 

tinctly felt in the centre of the State. Besides this, the Xorth- 
east trade "winds Jilay over the whole Peninsula. The summer 
nights are invariahly cool, and even the hottest days are seldom 
oppressive in the shade. This is more than any State north of 
Plorida can boast, and is probably owing- to her peninsular po- 
sition. Paradoxical as it may seem, the tliermometer ranges 
much higher during the siimmer months in ISIeAV York, Boston 
and Montreal, than in St. Augustine, Tampa or Key West. In 
the former cities the thermometer frequently ranges as high as 
100 and 109 in the shade, and that too, without any breeze to 
relieve it, whereas, it but rarely reaches as high as 90 at any of 
the latter places. I am credibly informed that a register kept 
at Key "West (the extreme South of Florida) for fourteen years, 
exhibited but three instances, during the wliole period, in wliicli 
the mercury rose as high as 94 in the shade. But, did it rise 
even to 104, such is the constant prevalence of refreshing sea- 
breezes, that less inconvenience would be experienced from it 
than when it was ^o in tlie luimid and stagnant atmospheres of 
other climates. 

" General Lawson, Surgeon-General of the army, in his official 
report of the climate, diseases, etc., of Florida, remarks : ' The 
climate of Florida is remarkably equable and agreeable, lieing 
sul)ject to fewer atmospheric variations, and its thermometer 
ranges much less than any other part of the United States, ex- 
cept a portion of the coast of California. For example, the 
Winter at Fort Snelling, Minnesota Territory, is 48 degrees colder 
than at Fort Brooke, Florida ; but the Summer at Fort Brooke 
is only aboiit S degrees warmer. The mean annual tempera- 
txire at Augusta, Georgia, is nearly 8 degrees, and tliat at Fort 
Gibson, Arkansas, upwards of 10 degrees lower than at Tampa; 
yet in both of these places the mean summer temperature is 
higher than at Fort Brooke, Tampa Bay. In the Summer sea- 
son the mercury rises higher in every part of the United States, 
and even in Canada, than it does along the coast of Florida. 
This is shown by meteorological statistics in this Bureau. 

" The Summer in Florida may be said to be seven months 
long ; so that the duration of warm weather is nearly twice as 
long as in the Middle States. The weather during the whole 
of these seven months is, however, of a very pleasant tempera- 
ture, the night being uniformly cool, and sultry days of very 
rare occurrence. Indeed, so agreeable are the summers in East 
Florida, tliere is little choice between them and the winters ; 
and many of the oldest inhabitants say that they i)refer the 
former. 

" The seasons in Florida are probably as favorable as in any 
otlier State in the Union. There occurs there, as in every other 
State, occassional droughts of too long duration, and there is 
sometimes a superabundance of rain ; but, as a general rule, tlie 
seasons are regular and well adapted to all the valuable staples 



22 

of that country. Frequent sliowers occur during the months of 
March, A]»ril, May and June, and about the first of July what 
is termed 'the rainy season' commences and continues till about 
the middle of September. Although it rains about every day 
(luring this season, it scarcely rains all day. These rains fall in 
very lieary showers, accompanied by thunder and lightening, 
and seldom last longer than four hours each day. They gener- 
erally commence at 1 ox-lock, P. M., and arc entirely over by 5 
o'clock, P, M., leaving for the remaining twenty-four hours of the 
day a cloudless sky and a delightfidly cool atmosphere.* One 
of the great virtues of the Florida climate is, that, nearly all 
the rain falls during the productive season of the year ; and 
that during the Avinter months, when rains are but little requir- 
ed, they seldom fall. The reverse of this occurs in Texas, Cal- 
ifornia, Oregon, and in nearly all the Mexican States. 

"As respects health, the climate of Florida stands pre-emi- 
nent. That the peninsular climate of Plorida is much more 
salubrious than that of any other State of the Union, is clearly 
established by the medical statistics of the army, as well as by 
the last census returns. In proof, of this the most conclusive 
evidence can be presented; but it will besufiicient here to quote 
a few remarks from the Ke})ort of the Surgeon-General on this 
subject. General Lawson states: 'Indeed, the statistics in this 
I)ureau demonstrate the fact that the diseases which result from 
malaria are of a much milder type in the peninsula of Florida 
than in any other State in the Union. Tiiese records show that 
the ratio of deaths to the number of cases of remittent fever 
has been much less among the troops serving than in any other 
portion of the United States. In the Middle Division of the 
United States the ))roportion is one death to thirty-six cases of 
remittent fever; in the Xorthern Division, one to fifty-two ; 
in the Southern Division, one to iifty-four; in Texas, one in sev- 
enty-eight; in California, one in one hundred and twenty-iAvo ; 
in New Mexico, one in one hundre<l and forty-eight ; while 
in Florida it is but onein tivo hundrcl and eif/hti/seven. 

'•'The general healthfulness of many i)arts of Florida, \m\v- 
ticularly on the coast is ])rover1)ial. The average annual mor- 
tality of tlic whole Peninsula, from retiu'us in this office, is foimd 
to be 2,06 per cent., while the other jiortions of the United 
States (previous to the war with Mexico) it was 3.0.5 per cent.' 

"In short, it may be asserted, without fear of refutation, that 
Florida possesses a much more agreeable and salubrious climate 
than any other State or Territory in the Union." 

This proposition seems to l)e vindicated beyond a possible 
iloubt by tlie statistics of the United States census of ISGO, and 
this in reference to a special class of diseases in regard to which 



^ *Thc average here is too liigli. We are assured that they do not average more than one 
hour per day.— Kn. Dasxer. 



23 

Florida stands in an nnfavorable liglit, because tlie very large 
element of her population composed of invalids are in the main 
those who come here seeking- relief from pulmonary complaints. 
Yet from the census of 1860 Ave gather that from the propor- 
tion of those who died from consimiption in various of the States 
in the Union, during the year ending May 31, 1860, was as fol- 
lows : 

In Massachusetts, 1 in 254; in Maine, 1 in 289 ; in Vermont, 
1 in 404; in New York, 1 in 473; in Pennsylvania, 1 in 580; 
in Ohio, 1 in 679; in California, lin 727; in Virginia, 1 in 757; 
in Indiana, 1 in 792 ; in Illinois, 1 in 878 ; and in Florida, 1 in 
1,447. 

Solon Ilobiuson says, "As to the salubrity of the climate, I 
fully believe its average equal to Indiana or Illinois, and cer- 
tainly no worse for immigrants, from any of the Xorthern 
States, than Central New York was in its early settlement, for 
those who went into its forests from New England. There are 
here, as there, miasmatic localities, and localities where mosqui- 
toes are as pestiferous as they are in the Montezuma marshes — 
no worse, and certainly no worse than I have often found them 
at various points around New York." 



« We have compiled the following tables, mainly from a record 
^f Meteorological Obsservations kept by Dr. A. S. Baldwin, 
throxigh whose kindness we are enabled to give them to the pub- 
lic. Jacksonville is situated in Latitude 30 o 15 mi. Xorth, 
Longitude 82 o Yv'est. Place of Observation, 14 feet above 
mean low water. Tlie mean of three daily oliservations is giv- 
en. The highest and lowest ranges of the Thermometer each 
month, for five years, from 1857 to 1861 inclusive are shoAvn 

below : — 

185 ^rSStTHSo 9Tl 860 11861 



Months. 



Ilemark? 



H. L. H. L. H. L. H. L. H. L. 



January 

February 

March 

April 

May 

June 

July 

August 

September 

October 

Xovember 

December 



i72jl6 
81I44 
|85j41 
iSl|47 
!9i:61 
91:73 
89:'68 
95 75 
;92 64 



76 
77 
83 
86 
91 
92 
96 
94 
86 
85 
79 
78, 



38 76'30i76j40| ! 

39 79|39'79|44j7542j 
34i84'45 83!40{83|43 thick, Jan 

49!89|53|92|58[85'54: 
66|92;64 92|58i94;64'l85 7. 
73 94 70 97!69;98 73; 
74'95 70 98:74:92 70: 



Ice one to two inches 
19 and 20, 



75 91 75,93 
64:92 70189 
62|84:50:87 
3917935:80 
4017936 72 



7391j73| 
65 92 58! 



At 7 A. M., Xov. 25, 



53'86 
2579 
32i74 



57! 1860, the Tlicrmometer 

451 

38!stood at 25 deg. 



Earliest frost in the five years, October 27, 1857. Latest 
frost, April 28, 1858. Latest frost in 1859, February 14th. 



•J 4 



Summary of twenty yoai^' observations of the Thermometer, 
taken at Jacksonville, Fla., by Dr. A. S. Baldwin, sliowing the 
mean temperature of each month and year reported; also, the 
means of twenty years, for each month and tlie wliole year. 





O 


o 


CJ 


"^ 


C^l 


CI 


z: 


o 


^'7 


CI 


o 


X 


x^ 


X 


c: 


c 

X 


— 








CI 

o 


^ 


c 
J.- 


X 


<r. 


c 
1- 


s 


c; 


o 

X- 


x~- 


s 


c; 


o 




X 


x~ 

o 


c 


5 


r^ 










.• 


c 


o 


CI 




X- 


cc 


o 


c 
c 


o 




x^ 

x^ 


o 
o 


o 


CT 

O 


o 


x^ 

CT 


CT 


X 

o 




-* 




^ 






X 


CT 

o 


c 




>c 


't 


c 


*c 


CI 

»c 


o 


LC 


X 


CM 


X^ 


X-C 


c 
>c 




o 




>■ 


(M 




i- 




X- 

CC' 


a. 


x^ 

o 


c 




X 
CI 


x^ 

CI 


CM 


o 

CI 


CJ 


x^ 


CI 


C 


CI 




X- 


lT 


7^ 






o 






I— 1 


CI 








c: 


X 

o 


CM 


o 


X- 
lC 




CM 


o 




x^ 

o 


CM 

o 


J. 


1- 

X 




c 




i-T 


C4 
CI 


X 


X 


^i- 


CI 
CI 


x^ 


x^ 


X 

X 


c: 


;2 


CT 


^ 




CM 

CT 


X 


z 


1- 


C-. 

_o 

CN 

C7 


o 
o 


X- 

X 


o 
x^ 

cc 


O 
X- 

X 
C4 


c 
o 


X- 


cc 
x- 




x- 


o 
o 


X 


s 


CI 
X'- 


c 

X- 


X- 


x-^ 


— 


X- 
X 


c 

X- 


?H 


CI 


o 




CJ 

o 


X 

i- 


LT 
CI 


CT 


CT 


o 


X'- 


X 


CM 


if. 




X 


o 

X 


X 


X 
X- 

o 


o 

X- 
Ci 


o 

X 

CT. 

o 


I-- 

C-l 


X 

x^ 

X- 


X- 

x^ 


X 


c: 
x^ 


X-- 


c: 

X- 


x-^ 


o 

X 


c-. 


X- 




o 

X 


X 


o 


X 


rl. 


X 


CI 

X- 


X- 

a. 


CI 


lO 


X 

CM 


o 




X 


< 




X 


o 

X 


X 


X 


X 


X 


CI 
X 

X 


c 

X 


CI 

X 


X 


CI 

X 


CM 

X 


c 

X 


X 

c 

CI 


X- 

x-^ 


X 
X 
CI 


o 

X 

CT 
i-C 


CT 
X 


X ~ 

o 


X 


>-. 


c 
c 


1-T 


cc 


i.C 

CI 


X 


^ 


X- 


-^ 


CI 


X 


c. 


-^ 


X 


X 

d 

c 


c 

X 




o 

X 


o 

X 


CI 
X 
CJ 
CI 


CI 
X 


y. 


X 

c: 

X 


X 

«Ci 


X 

•o 

CT 


CI 
X 


x^ 


CI 
X 


o 

X 


X 


a 

X 




X 

c 


X 


o 

c 


1— 1 


cc 


X- 


X 
CI 


cc 


X 

X 


X 

o 


■^ 


c 

C5 


CM 


o 


>-C 

c 


CT 


1 


CM 
X 

o 


X 

1.1 


C-. 


X 


X 


CI 
X- 


X 

X- 


o 

X 


X 

x- 


X 

x~ 


c 

X 


X 

x~ 


X 


X 


x^ 


c 

X 


X 


X 


X 


c 

X 


X 


c 
c 


c 


cc 


CI 
X 


Cl 

x~- 


CI 


T^ 


CI 


;;;; 


CM 


T-^ 


;:^ 


•^ 


CI 

o 


X- 

X-- 


X 

CT 


c 




CT. 


X 


1- 


X 

1^ 


1-^ 


X- 
X- 


X- 


X- 


o 
x^ 


X 
X- 


X'- 
X- 

X 


X- 
X 


cc 
x^ 


o 
x^ 


c^ 

X- 


x^ 

*c 

CI 


x^ 

CM 


o 

X- 


00 

x~- 


X 




1^ 


•n 


§ 


g 


c 


1- 
1- 


x^ 


Cl 
X- 


ll; 


CI 


c 
x^ 


o 


c 

o 


CI 


CI 




•— 


< 


o 
1- 




o 


CM 

1~ 


o 

X- 


Ci 


x^ 


c 
x~ 


^ 


i-- 


o 


c 

X- 


x^ 

o 


9T 

o 


x^ 


X- 


CT 
X- 


s 


x~ 




x~ 






CM 
C-J 


X 


x^ 


I— 1 




CI 

o 


cc 


§ 




CI 


o 


in 


o 

CM 


CI 


CM 
X- 


X- 


5 




c 

X 


X 
X 


C 


2 




o 


'C' 


j^ 


X 


t-H 


?. 


'C 
X- 


X 

:3 


c 


o 


C-. 

CI 


CT 


o 

X 


CT. 


CT 


CM 


»c 




^ 


c: 


JH 


X 


x~ 


1^ 

i.C 


CT 


CM 
CM 


c 


^ 


-* 




1- 


X 

1.1 


>c 








^ 


X 

>c 


UD 


X- 

iC 


o 
o 


CM 

o 


x-- 


X 


;o 




O 


o 


X 


=• 


C-. 

X 


^ 


^ 


^ 


c 


i^ 


cc 


x^ 


t:; 


s 


t:; 


^ 


3 


z: 


CI 
CI 


X 


X'- 
X 






CO 

e 


CT 

c 


I--5 


IC 


!■- 


■^ 


c; 


X 


-t 


o 


x^ 


x^ 


>c 


i- 


iC 


X- 


X 


C-. 
X 
X 


CI 

CT. 
iC 
X 


>c 

o 

x 






CM 

>C 


i.C 


■/. 


X 


X 


X 


X- 
X 


X 

7. 


v: 




X 


CI 
X 


X 


't 

LC 

X 


X 


X 


X- 
lO 
X 


X 


X 


X^ 
X 


= 


> 










































r'. 



t 



25 



o 


■^ 


■fi 


c: 






z\ 


+j 


rt 




A^ 


^* 










f— 1 


^ 


c: 




o 








CJj 












o 


^ 


—1 


C 


c^ 


a 


i~-( 




f^ 


r/: 




c; 


>^ 





^ c 

;2 cj 






ct ;r: 



:^ s .. 



p ^ O 

O ^ a: 

"*^ "^ in 

ci C 



tn 


I— 1 C-l 1— 1 


cc -^ 




O O LCl 


i-^ o 1 


O l-H o 


d d 


o -t- x^ 


iC ^ 




O CI Ct 


X' o 


d 

a 
--> 


c<) c: O 


Cl X ' 


I>^ r-< r-H 


1-J d 


(—1 


_>o_o -t- 


-i?_rli 




c^ -^ o 


CC 1^ 


1 o 


r— 1 O O 


CO CO 


■rjH O ^' 


CO* r^ 


CO CD j:^ 


■^ CO 




00 CO T— 1 


-* »-0 


-t-J 


oo q r-; 


q i-H 


p 


■-H >* CO 


CO xr^ 


1^ IT- i~ 


»o ^ i 


i -i-i 


o CO c<i 


rH O ! 


i p_l 


O (M O 


q X i 


o 


Oj' 03 r-H 


Tj^' x' 


X 


£- t-- cc 


CO o 1 


' 'cb 


o cc o 


CO lo 


»c ^_ q 


q o 1 


■ ^ 


o o c4 


r-H* d 


-jj X' CO 


J:- X- 


i^ 


O CO o 


iQ O 


O -L-~ O 


'^:^. 


;:: 


O O CO 


CO CO 


>-j 


'X X X 


x^ x^ 


1 o 


o o w 


I-H o 


S 


cr >* o 


^. ^. ' 


'■ Ji 


ci ci .-i" 


X x' i 


>-j 


x~- 1^ oc 


--^.J'-? 1 




""o"-^"" o 


CO X- 


lO O I—I 


X q 


cc o o 


ci x' 


r=\ 


1- i— i- 


IC o 


~ 


X C^ X 


O -rf 


JH 


£- X c; 


x^ q 


^ 


X .-H lO 


x' CO* 


O i^ i^ 


^ lO 




'* CO X 


00 ^ 


|3 


cc 1- X 


O '^ 


C^ 


cc -t-^ CO 


x-^ ^ 


f^_ 


O CO 1^ 


07 CO 


, 


"'^"^""X 


O X- 1 


^ 


CI lO X 


X IC 


o 


ci cc x' 


x" X- 


IJH 


lO O CO 


O-l r-H 1 




CO cc X 


cry o' 


S 


q ic q 


CO x^ 




x-^ 1— H CO 


x" CO* 


iC CO o 


o^ ^ 




ri 


2 1 




ct ^ „ 


, • G 






K^- 




h^H 


. 1^ 




o 


^^^ 










X ct -*f' 


+^ .5 




i: ,«/r a^ 






r-^i-ii c; 


c o 




i^^ 


f^.i 




^i^>» 






-:^r2^ 


^£ 



® § g ih 



i 5 S^ " -^"^ 

CC ^ i< .in 

^^^^ 
O Ci_i +^ G 

v> "^ ci -M 

^ ^ ci 
r <^ O .^ 

- I— I -r CC 

>.! .? 

^ o bfjC: 
J5 l>i S '-'^ 



5 TTCI-J 



o 



ct — 

• — c 



ct 5:: 



cr. jl; 



in c 



c ii 






5 S^ 



ce -^ 



J ^ CC 9 ^2 S — 

o " ti 5 "" '" -ii 

' — ' -r .S il +^ ^ T^ 

.— 'T^ O O o '>^ 



ci cr: ';3 



^ X , CJ >-^i ^^ 



s ;::; ' ^ 9 



'^ O r; = 



ci ^ ci ~i-^^ f~ 



^ ^•- 



^ c ii'^ 



:^ .-, .= •r-' ^ '^ ,^. 



> O " i 



"73 cS 



20 




•- o 









-=■7, 



= o 






<- S rt 



OOOOOO'MCOOOO 

o o CD ir: o o o i-t u- lo o o 
o 1^ c: 1— I ^1 re i^ T-^ o X L- o 
•6 ci oo o i-^ o "^ <N oc" t-^ o c; 

^_ _ _ 1— I T— I T— I 

00 O O O O O 1-- o o^o'o o 
O O O iC LC O iC O O i-t o t^ 

-t t-^ O '>i O QC 00 o -^ C: o ci 

O^O OiOiCOXOCO'OO 
O -^ O C^ (M lO O 'O O O <M lO 

i- cc lo >c -t r: — -^ ?T -H -f c; 



<=^ •" > Si ^^ 

O 03 o 3 ? — 

o '-^ "t, I 2 iO 

-- i- i 3 ^J? 

o o 



^ ^ 



d ci I- S g 2 ^'"i 



C^ rt o 






O O C O O — I 
(N iC O Lti O O 
lO -* O O -* '^ 



I'- ^ -^ — I 

o oc"o~o^ 
c o o »o 

X oi CT ^ 



C iC o 
re O ic 

CC X CM 



O O lO o c 
O »0 1^ >0 lO 

T)- 1^ -* c: X 
c"~o o 



o o 



c: I- X 



crc-t- — — 'C-i — 'NTtrr-^— ' 



c 
o 
o 


c 
c 


2 




cc 


-N 


-H 


>Ci 


c 
o 


C 

o 
o 


c 

I— 1 


c 
c 



c c c 
ir; ca ic 



COO 

o o o 

X ^ T-1 



O O iC 

»o O 1^ 

o o cc 



Id (M 

o o 



o 

I— 1 




— 3 


c; —1 


CT 


C3 


"^ ^ 


■^ ;*_ 


CC 




o t. 


. o 


<-i 


^ ^ 


lO 


>■ 


s '^ 




■m' 


'c; 


o ^ 


2 i 








o 


•J 


^ ' — ' 




iO 


^ " 


• -^ 


-f". "t 




■^ 


>-. c 





o o c 

lO o o 

»C (>4 Ci 



lO c<i ■»+■ (M -"t rti 



o o o 
O rN ic 

O O ■<* 



o >o o o o 
O -1^ lr^ 1- l'^ 



X = fi ^i, = £ 



c<i c? -^ if^ -^ CO 

<M CO -^ iO lO x-"x 

>0 O »0 'O >fl »C '1 

X X X X X X X 



O O — I O i- 

lo 00:00 

X X X X X 



rt':3 ? 



ft 



eS -tj ^ ;_ •; "^ *j 
^ ""^ r; o C ' "" 



•~- a 



The climatL' of Florida forms an iiuliicciueut to Immigration 
so strong that an extract or two from well-known authors \i\)on 
this subject Avill not be considered out of place. Mr. Williams, 
wliose work on the History of Florida Avas published in 1837 
and is of very good repute, says: 

" Tiie climate of Florida is various, embracing six; degrees of 
latitude and as many of longitude. We necessarily feel a great 
dirt'erence of temjierature between the Xorth and South, as well 
as between the East and West. The mean temperature of St. 
.Vugustine is about OOA o , It is a little higher in Pensacola ; 
at that place it is also colder in the Winter. 

Frost is felt at sonij seasons, in any part of Florida, though 



27 

not usually below Latitude 27 =>. During eighteen years that 
we have resided in Florida, the greatest heat has been 96 o of 
Farenheit, in the shade. Three or four times it has risen to 
this height and on the 6th of xVj^ril, 1828 it Avas as Ioav as 30 o . 
At that time ice was made an inch thick at Six Mile Creek, and 
cut olf the crops of corn and cotton as far South as Tonioko, 
while at St. Augustine and Dunn's Lake, the marks of frost 
were scarcely discoverable. In usual seasons, the mercury arises 
to about 90 o in the hottest daj^s of mid-summer, and fills to 
43 o during the coldest days of winter. 

Li West Florida, the north-west winds arc felt much more 
powerfully than in East Florida. Its eifect on fruit trees is ex- 
ceedingly obvious. 

The svreet orange cannot be depended on at Pensacola, while 
at St. Augustine its unusual seasons, aifords the staple of com- 
merce. 

The land and sea breezes alternate with much greater regu- 
larity in West than East Florida. The Peninsula of East Flor- 
ida projects so far to the East as to divide the current of the 
Florida wind ; one portion of it passes up the coast and forms 
the charming sea breeze that fans us so constantly each day of 
Summer, except it be kept in check by the north-east wind. 

In West Florida the struggle is between the north-west "wind 
and the trade wind. During Winter our north-east Avinds are 
chilly, damp and often rough, but they are ncA'er charged ^dth 
frost', which is often the case with the north-west." 

In a work published in 1.823, by "Charles Vignolles, Civil and 
Typographical Engineer," and generally considered one of the 
best books on Florida extant, is found the following ; 

" The climate of the whole of Florida during eight months of 
the year from October to June, is delightful, and one almost 
continuous Spring ; as the range of the thermometer in the hot 
months of Sumnier is only from 84 o to 88 o , of Farenheit, and 
constantly cooled by sea breezes, they are by no means so op- 
pressive as in the Carolinas and Georgia, and such intense sul- 
try weather as marks the Xorthern dog days, is seldom if ever 

felt, * * * . .* ^*., * * 

Generally speaking, the Springs and Sumniers are dry, and 
the Autumns changeable; the Winters are mild and even serene; 
snoAV is scarcely seen at St. Augustine, twice in a century, but 
the black frost is an occasional visitant ; though, at the severest 
times the ice has never been formed thicker than the sixteenth 
part of an inch ; its action has never extended South of Cape 
Canaveral, and but very rarely reaches Mosquito Inlet. The 
nipping of the white frost occasionally is felt as far as the ex- 
treme Capes of Florida, though not an annual visitant." 

" The duration of the cold or frost of any kind never lasts but 
a few hours and seldom occurs more than once or twice a month 
in January, which is the severest month. The cold winds are al- 



'2S 

ways from tlie iiortli-west." 

" The rains and dews -witliout being troublesome, create at 
most seasons sncli a Inxuriant vegetation, tliat the surface of tlie 
earth is never without verdure." 

" The long al>sence of the sun, the days and nights l)eing 
nearly equal, gives the ground time to cool and recoA-er from 
the daily evaporations." 

"Another pleasant consequence of this, is the very delightfid 
fresjmess of the nights in the sultriest season of the year, by 
which the body is refreshed, the sleep sound, and the natural 
faculties restored to vigor, * * * * . 

" That not only St. Augustine, but such parts of East Florida 
as have been occupied are healthy, is to be clearly inferred from 
the tact of the Ninth rtegiraent of British Infantry, having been. 
>tationcd during the lievolutionary AVar in detachments at St, 
Augustine, ]\Iatanzas, Piccolati and St. Marks, and during a 
jicriod of twenty months not losing a sinole man bv natural 
death." 

"That the climate is good forjtatients of a consumptive hab- 
it is notorious, several persons during the last Winter and Spring 
from Carolina and elsewhere having recovered their health ; and 
that the air is not at any season hurtful, is generally known 
from the circumstance of the native and foreign ladies walk- 
ing till late in the moonlight on Summer and Autumn evenings, 
with only the slight coverings on their heads of their lace veils 
or maritillas and many even without these. l>[edical men have 
stated that dampness or discoloring of plaster, soon moulding of 
bread, moisture of sponge, dissolution of loaf sugar, and rust- 
ing of metals, are marks of bad air; now all these are marked 
at St. Augustine and notwithstanding, it is very healthy ; this 
dampness is occasioned by the saline particles which, arising 
from the sea, by no means occasion sickness," 



SOIL. 

At first sight the Xortheru and AVestern fanner will la- 
inclined to believe nuich of the soil of Florida nearly worthless. 
So far from the truth however is this impression that it Mill not 
liold gootl even oi the forest lands, the ''black jack" ridges and 
tlie low "tiat woods." The soil is generally sandy with more or 
less admixture of clay, lime and organic nnitter. The greater 
])ortion of the lands in Florida may be designated as }une lands; 
the pitch and yellow or long l)eard pine (Pinus Labnisca) being 
the ])rincipal timber. In the hammocks it is mingled witli 
white, live and water oak, gum, bay, hickory, nuignolia, cab- 
bage palmetto, ifce,, etc. 



29 

The classification of lauds in common use being based upon 
their elevation and the character of their vegetable growth, 
does not not indicate very fully the quality of the soil. Tliere 
are the hammock, pine and swamp lands. Then there is the high 
and light hammock, and the low or heavy hammock , of pine 
lands there are tlie first, second and third rate. Tlie character- 
istic of hammock land as distinguished from pine is in the 
lact of its being covered with a growth of tmderbrush, while 
the pine lands are open. Whenever, then, the land is not so 
low as to be called swamp, and produces an undergrowth of 
shrubbery, it is called hammock. 

The late Dr. Byrne, an old resident of Florida, in a series of 
letters written in 1860 gives a description of the lands in Flor- 
ida, so accurate and so well adapted to our purpose, tliat we 
copy it nearly entire. 

"There is in every State and Territory in the Union, a very 
large proportion of barren and poor lands ; but the ratio of these 
lands, dilfers greatly in difierent States, Florida has a due pro- 
portion ot poor lands ; but compared with other States, tlie ra- 
tio of her larren and wovtJdess lands is very small. With the ex- 
ception of the Everglades, and her irreclaimable swamp lands, 
tliere is scarcely an acre in the whole State of Florida tliat is en- 
tirely worthless, or which cannot be made, under her tropical cli- 
mate, tributary to some agricultural productions. Lands whicli 
in a more Xorthern climate would be utterly Avorthless, will, in 
Florida, owing to her tropical character, yield valuable produc- 
tions. For example, tlie poorest pine barren lands of Florida, 
will produce without manure, a luxuriant crop of Sisal Hemp, 
which yields more profit to the acre than the richest land will 
when cultivated in sugar, cotton or tobacco. So it is with nu- 
merous other valuable tropical })roducts that are adapted to the 
lands, that in more N^orthern climates would yield nothing to 
agriculture. Besides this, there are in Florida no mountain 
wastes — no barren prairies — and there are but few acres in the 
Avhole State not under cultivation, that are not covered with val- 
ualile timber. 

I shall here give a brief sketch of the dilferent descriptions of 
the lands in Florida. 

Pine lands (pitch and yellow pine) form the basis of Florida. 
These lands are usually divided into tliree classes, denoting- 
first, second and third rate }»ine lands. 

That which is denominated " first rate pine land" in Florida 
has nothing analogous to it in any of the other States. Its sui-- 
face is covered for several inches deep, with a dark vegetable 
mould, beneath which, to tlie dejjth of several feet, is a choco- 
late colored sandy loam, mixed for the most part, witli lime- 
stone pebbles, and resting on a substratum of marl, clay, or 
limestone rock. Tlie fertility and durability of this descri])tion, 
of laiid may be estimated from the well-known fact tliat it has 



30 

on the U]»)ier Sinvaiiee ami in pevoral otlier districts, yielded, 
during fourteen years of successive cultivation, Avithout the aid 
of manure, four liuudred ]»ounds of aS^^ /s/awrf Cotton to the acre. 
TIk- lands are still as j'l'oductivc as ever, so that the limit of 
their durability is still \uiknown. 

The " second rate piue"' lands, Avhich form the largest pro- 
portion of Florida, are all productive. These lands atford tine 
natural pasturage; they are heaWly timliered Avith the best spe- 
cies of jtitch an«.l yellow i)ine : they are for the most part, high, 
rolling, healthy and Avell-Avatered. They are generally basetl 
upon marl, clay or limestone. They will produce for several 
years without the aid of manure, and Avhen covr-penned, they 
Avill yield two thousand poun<ls of the best (juality of sugar to 
the acre, or al)out three hundred pounds of JSea Island Cotton. 
They Avill, besides, Avhen jn-operly cultivated, produce the finest 
Cuba tobacco, oranges, lemons, limes, and various other tro])i- 
cal ]»roductions, which must in many instances render them 
more valuable than the best bottom lands in the more northern 
States. 

Even the lands of the "third rate," or most inferior class, are 
by no means worthless under the climate of Florida. This 
class of lands may be divided into two orders ; the one com- 
prising high rolling sandy districts, Avhich are sparsely covered 
Avith a stunted groAVth of "Idack jack" and pine; the other 
embracing loAV, Hat, sAvampy regions, Avhich are frequently 
studded AA'ith "bay galls," and are occasionally inundated, Imt 
Avhich are covered Avith luxuriant vegetation, and very general- 
ly Avith valuable timber. The former of those, it is now ascer- 
tained, oAving to their calcareous soil, is Avell adapted to the 
o;roAvth of Sisal Ilemp, Avhieh is a valuable tropical production. 
This plant, (the ^Vgave Sisiliana) and the Agave Mexican 
Hemp, also knoAvn as 3Iaguay, the l*nlke Plant, the Century 
Plant, vfcc, have both been introduced into Florida, and they 
both groAV in great perfection on the i)Oorest lands of the coun- 
try. As these plants derive their chief support from the atmos- 
phere, they Avill, like the common air plant, i>reserve their vitali- 
ty for many inonths Avlien left out of the ground. 

It is scarcely necessary 'to add, that the second order of the 
third rate pine lands, as here described, are far from Avorthless. 
These lands alford a most excellent range for cattle, besides 
being valuable for their timber and the naval stores Avliich they 
Avill produce. 

There is one general feature in the toi)Ography ot Florida. 
Avhich no other country in the United States possesses, and 
Avhich aftbrds a great security to the health of its inhabitants. 
It is, that the ])ine lands Avhidi form the basis of the country, 
and Avhich are almost universally healthy, are nearly every- 
Avhere studded at intervals of a fcAV miles, Avith hammock lands 
of the richest quality. These hannnoeks are not, as is generally 



31 

supposed, loAV, Avet lands ; the j ueAer require ditching or drain- 
ing ; they vary in extent from tAventy acres to forty thousand 
acres, and AA'ill probably average about five hundred acres each. 
Hence the inhabitants have it everyAA'here in their poAver to 
select residences in the pine lands, at such convenient distances 
from the hammocks as Avill enable them to cultivate the latter, 
Avithout endangering their health, if it should so happen that 
any of the inhabitants proved to be less healthy than in the pine 
Avoods. 

Experience in Florida has satisfactorily shoAvn that residences 
only half a mile distant from cultivated hammocks are entirely 
exempt from malarial diseases, and that the negroes Avho culti- 
A'ate those hammocks, and retire at night to pine land residences, 
maintain perfect health. Indeed, it is found that residences in 
the hammocks themselves are generally perfectly healthy after 
they liaA^e been a fev.' years cleared. NcAvly cleared lands are 
sometimes attended AA'ith the deA'elopment of more or less ma- 
laria. In Florida the diseases Avhich result from those clearings 
are, as I stated in my former letter, generally of the mildest 
type, (simple intermittent fever ;) Avhile in nearly all the South- 
ern States they are most frequently of a severe grade of billions 
feA'er. 

The topographical feature here noted, namely, a general in- 
terspersion of rich hammocks, surromided by high, dry rolling, 
healthy pine AA'oods, is an advantage Avhich no other State in the 
Union enjoys; and Florida forms in this respect, a striking con- 
trast Avith Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas, Avhose Sugar and 
Cotton lands are generally surrounded by A^ast alluvial regions, 
subject to frequent inundations, so that it is impossible to ol)- 
tain, Avithin many miles of them, a healthy residence. 

It Avoidd seem paradoxical that the malarial diseases of East 
Florida (abounding as it does in rich hammock lands, and ex- 
posed to a tropical sun,) should generally be of a much milder 
form than those Avhich prevail in more ziorthern latitudes. 
That such, hoAVCA'er, is the fact, there can be no doubt ; for this 
fact is proved by an aggregate of evidence (extending over 
more than tAventy years,) aa'IucIi it is impossible to resist. It is 
suggested, in explanation of this fact, that the luxiiriant vege- 
tation Avhich in the Southern and Middle States, passes through 
all the stages of decomposition, is, in East Florida, generally 
dried up before it reaches the putrefactiAC stages of decomposi- 
tion, and that consequently tlie quantity of malaria generated 
is much less than in climates more favorable to decomposition. 
This vicAV is strengthened by facts that the soil of Florida is 
almost eA^eryAA'here of so ]>orous and absorbent a character that 
moisture is seldom long retained on its surface ; that its atmos- 
phere is in constant motion, and that there is more clear sun- 
shine than in the more northern States. It is further suggested 
that the uniform prcA^alence of sea breezes, and the constant 



I 



32 

motion of the ntiuosphere in tlie Peninsula, tend so much to 
(liifuse and attenuate Avliatsoever poison is generated, that it 
will genevally ])roduce but the mildest forms of malarial dis- 
ease, such as intermittent fever. 

The lands -which in Florida are, par excellence, denominated 
" rich land," are iirst the " swamp lands ;" second, the "low 
hammock lands ;" third, the "high hammocks," and fourth, the 
" first-rate pine, oak and hickory lands." 

The swam]) lands are, uiupicstionaljly, the most durably rich 
lands in the country. They are the most recently formed lands, 
aiul are still annually receiving additions to their surface. They 
are intrinsically the most valuable lands in P''lorida, being as 
fertile as the hammocks, and more durable. They are evident- 
ly alluvial and of recent formation. They occupy natural de- 
|')ressions of basins, which have been gradually lilled uji l)y de- 
posits of vegetable debris, etc., washed in from the adjacent and 
higher lands. Ditching is indispensable to all of them in their 
preparation for successful cidtivation. Properly prepared, how- 
ever, their inexhaustible fertility sustains a succession of the 
most exhausting cro])s Avith astonishing vigor. The greatest 
yield of sugar ever realized in Florida, was produced on this 
descriptionof land, viz : four hogsheads per acre. That this 
<[uantity was produced on Dummitt's plantation, near Xew 
Smyrna, is a fact Avell known to those conversant with sugar 
[danting in East Florida. Sugar cane is here instanced as a 
measure of the fertility of the soil, because it is one of the most 
exhausting crops known, and is generally grown Avithout rest 
or rotation. It is not, however, a fair criterion by Avhich to 
judge of the relative fertility of lands situated in different cli- 
mates, for Ave tind on the richest lands in Louisiana tiie product 
of sugar per acre, is not more than one hogshead, or about half 
that of East Florida. 

. This great disparity in the ])roduct of those countries is ac- 
counted for, not by any inferiority in the lands of Louisiana or 
Texas, but by the fact that the early incursions of frost in both 
these States render it necessary to cut the cane in October, 
which is long before it has reached maturity, Avhile in East 
Florida it is permitted to stand, Avithout fear of frost, till De- 
cember, or till such time as it is fully matured. It is Avell known 
that it "tassels " in East Florida, and it never does so in either 
Louisiana or Texas. AVhen cane "tassels" it is evidence of its 
having reached full n\aturity. In conse(iuence of the heavy 
outlay of capital recpured in the prejtaration of this description 
of land for cultivation, and from the facility of obtaining ham- 
mock lan<l, Avhich re(piires uo ditching nor draining, swamp land 
has been but little sought after by persons engaged in planting 
in Florida, and there is n<nv at least a million of acres of the 
best description of this laud vacant in the country, and Avhich 
can be secured at less than two dollars jier acre. Vast bodies 






33 

of it lie convenient to navigation and railways, and doubtless 
will soon be sought after with avidity, as soon as the sugar 
planters of Louisiana and Texas become apprized of its charac- 
ter, and of the many advantages which sugar planting in Flori- 
da presents over any other State in the Union. 

Low Hammocks, which from the fact of their participating in 
the nature of hammocks and swamps, are sometimes termed 
Swammoch, are not inferior to swamp lands in fertility, but })er- 
haps are not quite as durable. They are nearly always level, 
or nearly so, and have a soil of greater tenacity than that of the 
high hammocks. Some ditching is necessary in many of them. 
The soil in them is always deep. These lands are also extreme- 
ly well adapted to the growth of the cane, as has been well at- 
tested by the many plantations which were formerly in opera- 
tion here on this description of land. There is not nearly so 
large a proportion of low hammock as there is of swamp lands. 

High Hammocks are the lands in the greatest repute in Florida, 
These difter from low hammocks in occupying liigher ground, 
and in generally presenting an undulating surface. They are 
formed of a tine vegetable mould, mixed with a sandy loam in 
many places two feet deep, and resting in most cases on a sub- 
stratum of clay, marl or limestone. It will be readily under- 
stood by any one at all acquainted with agriculture, that such a 
soil, in such a climate as Florida, must be extremely productive. 
This soil scarcely ever suffer from too much wet ; nor does 
drought affect it in the same degree as other lands. High ham- 
mock lands produce with but little labor of cultivation, all the 
crops of the country in an eminent degree. Such lands have no 
tendency to break up in heavy masses, nor are tliey infested 
with pernicious weeds or grasses. Their extraordinary fertility 
and productiveness may be estimated by the fact in several well 
known instances, in Marion County, (Clinch's, Mcintosh's, &c.,) 
three liogsheads of sugar have been made per acre on this de- 
scription of land, after it had been in cultivation six years, in 
successive crops of corn, without the aid of manure. 

To sum up its advantages, it requires no other preparation 
than clearing and plowing to fit it at once for the greatest pos- 
sible production of any kind of crop adapted to the climate. 
In unfavorable seasons it is much more certain to produce a 
good crop tlian any other kind of land, from the fact that it is 
less affected by exclusive dry or wet weather. It can be culti- 
vated with much less labor than any other lands, being remark- 
ably mellow, and its vicinity is generally high and healthy. 
These reasons are sufficient to entitle it to the estimation in 
which it is held over all other lands. 

The first-rate? pinc? oak and hickory lands are found in pretty 
extensive bodies in many ])arts of the State, particularly in 
Marion, Alachua and Hernando counties. From the fact that 
those lands can be cleared at much less expense than the swamp 



jmf 



34 

and hammock lands, they have heretofore been ]ireferred by tlu- 
small ]tlanters, and have proved remarkably jiroductive. 

There are, besides the lands already noticed, extensive tracts 
of Savanna lands, which approximate in character, texture of 
the soil, and period and mode of formation, to the swam]) lands, 
dift'ering only in being destitute of timber. Some of these lands 
are, however, extremely poor. 

Probably the largest bodies of rich hammock land in East 
Florida are to be found in Levy, Alachua, Marion, Hernando 
and Sumpter Counties. There are in Levy County alone, not 
less than one hundred thousand acres of the very best descrip- 
tion of sugar lands ; and there is but a small proportion in any 
of the five counties here cited, that will not produce remunera- 
tive croi)S of Sea Island and Short Sta]»le Cotton, Avithout the 
aid of manure. 

The lands on the St. Johns Kiver, taken as a whole, are not 
as fertile as in some other sections of the State. There are, 
however, thousands of acres of rich hammock landAvithiii a mile 
of the river, which are as yet imbroken forest, and the })ine lands 
are much better than the average of the whole State. Besides 
there is an abundance of muck on the banks of the river and 
its tributaries, Avhich furnishes a most excellent fertilizer. Lime, 
marl and shells are also easily obtained, and have been used 
with very beneficial results. 

In Middle Florida, the Counties of Leon, Gadsden, Jefterson 
and Madison, have large quantities of high, rolling hammock 
land ; also the Comity of Jackson in West Florida. They are 
much more undulating than in P^ast Florida, and are underlaid 
with a stitf red clay. They are by far the best lands in the 
State for short staj)le Cotton, to Avliich they have been almost 
exclusively ajipropriatetl. There is in Volusia County, a range 
of low hanunock, a little back from the coast, from a half to two 
miles wide, and extending from the head of the Halifax to the 
heatl of the Indian liiver, some fifty miles, as well adapted to 
sugarcane as any land in the State. The Gulf hammock in 
Levy County, comprises perhaps the largest body of rich land 
in Florida. It was bought up years ago at from five to ten dol- 
lars i)er acre by private jiarties, by whom it is mostly held at 
the ])resent time. The Florida Kailroad runs through it, and it 
will no doubt become, at an early day, one of the garden spots 
of the State. The clearing of the hammocks, however, is ex- 
pensive, and, as in every new country, we may expect to see the 
lands more lightly timbered first brought into cultivation. 



FACILITY OF CGMMl^XICATFOX— EXTEKXAL AND 
INTEliXAL. 
Florida, from her peculiar geographical position, has advan- 
tages for (piick and easy connnunication with all parts of the 



35 

commercial workl, with Avhicli few, if any section of tlie coun- 
try can compete. In the first place, she has an exceedino-lv 
large proportionate coast line. Having an average breadth of 
only about one hundred miles in the peninsula portion of the 
State, she extends some four liundred miles from nortli to south, 
and thus has a coast line of some eleven Imndred miles, Avith a 
large number of harbors, bays, and estuaries ; tlie easy and cer- 
tain exit from and to whicli, largely increase lier facilities for 
communication. 

Her relative situation also, in reference to one of the greatest 
channels of commercial travel, is of great value. She is tlirust 
directly across one of the great liigliAvays of trafic by her ex- 
tension southward between the Gulf of Mexico and the Carrib- 
bean Sea. By tliis, so far as i)roximity is concerned, she may 
be said to command tlie commerce of South America, Mexico, 
Texas, the Mississippi Valley, and the West Indies. She is 
within one and one half days of New Orleans, within three days 
of New York, and Avithin one day of Savannah and Cuba, by 
steamer. It is said that a cargo of Cotton shipped from Fer- 
nandina or Jacksonville, or St. Augustine, will often reach Liv- 
erpool before a vessel from New Orleans or Texas will have 
reached the Carribbean Sea. It is evident that from her posi- 
tion must result great advantages, both to producer and con- 
sumer of tlie great staples of commercial exchange. 

And the State has an abundance of \evy good harbors, 
througli which these commercial advantages of position could 
be improved. Pensacola, Tampa, and Fernandina have upward 
of twenty feet of water ; Cedar Keys, St. Johns Bar and Cliar- 
lotte Harbor liave twelve feet and upward, while the harbor of 
Key West is said to have more than thirty feet. 

And the means of internal communication are also very good. 
3Iany Boads, traversing the State in difterent directions, were 
made many years since, v.'hile the State was under Spanish and 
Enp;lish control ; subsequently other roads became necessary 
during the protracted Indian wars, and were constructed l)y the 
Army. The soil of tlie major portion of the State is so free 
from stone, the pine forests are so sparce and the soil so porous, 
that roads are built with com^iarative ease and are not very lia- 
ble to wash. Hence, roads are abundant, tliougli often ratlier 
heavy from the sand. 

Few portions of tlie United States are as Svell furnished as 
Florida with the means of internal navigation. The St. Jolms, 
the SuAvanee, and the Apalachicola are all large sti-eams, navi- 
gable for steamboats for more than one hundred miles, the St. 
Johns for more than two liundred. In addition to these are 
many others, some like tlie Oclawaha, navigable ior small steam- 
boats, and others only feasible for small vessels, indeed so many, 
that but a small i)ortio!i of the State is remote from water com- 
jnunication. 



36 

Tlie 8t. Johns would be a very remarkable stream anywhere, 
and seems tlie more so from the fact tliat its Avhole course lies 
t]ir()Uii;h an extremely level region. It is about three hundred 
miles in length, is for one hundred and fifty miles of an average 
width of more than one and a half miles and carries a volume 
of water much larger than does the Kio Grande, Avhich is one 
thousand miles long. ]\Iany of its tributaries are navigable to 
quite a distance by steamboats, and it is supposed that this 
river and its navigable branches give one thousand miles ot 
water transportation. 

The internal communication, by means of Railroads, is re- 
markably abundant for a State so comparatively new in many 
respects. There are Railroads connecting Fernandina and 
Cedar Kej's, Jacksonville and (^uincy, Tallahassee and St. 
3Iarks, and Pensacola will, in all ])robability, be soon connected 
with Quincy and also Avitli tlie Roads rumiing North, while 
another road is in contemplation from Live Oak, southward, to 
Tampa, and from Jacksonville to St. Augustine. 

Large sea-going steamers ascend the St. Johns several times 
in each week as tar as Rahitka, i'vom Mhich ])lace smaller steam- 
ers ascend the St. Johns to Lake ]\Iunroe, and the OclaAvaha to 
Silver Spring and Lake Grifiin. Were a Railroad or Canal to 
be built acioss this small distance intervening between tlie 
sources of the St. Johns and Lidian River, and from Pablo 
Creek to the South, all of which is supposed could be done for 
what it often costs to build a single mile of Railroad at the 
North, this State would possess on completion of the Roads 
already projected, a system of internal communication e(pial to 
any in existence. 



PRODUCTIONS. 



FIELD CROPS. 



In no State of tlie I'nion can so extensive a v.-u-iety of valua- 
ble i)roductions be successfully cultivated as in P'lorida. Most 
of tlie crojjs grown in the tenii)erate zone fiourish in the north- 
ern ]iortion of the State. Nearly all tlie Peninsula is a<la])ted 
to the cultivation of semi-troj)ical fruits. At least one-fourtli ol 
the entire area of the State is south of tlie line of frost, and will 
grow snccessiully the tropical productions of the "West Indies, 
lleretofore Cotton has been tlie ])rinci])al stai)le. Indian Corn 
has been largely raised, but not in sufficient quantity to su]))»ly 
the home demand. Tobacco and sugar have been grown to 
some extent. Of late, however, attention has been turned to 
other productions, and a now era in the development of the re- 



37 

sources of Florida has already commenced. On the St. Johns 
river and along the railroads, the culture of vegetables for the 
northern markets is receiving much attention, and is no longer 
an experiment. Fruit groAving, hitlierto neglected, is being 
prosecuted with energy, and cannot fail to become one of our 
most important interests. There are large quantities of land in 
Florida yet in a state of nature, admirably ada])ted to the cul- 
ture of cane, and there is little doubt that within a few years, 
Sugar will become an important staple. In giving an account 
of the more important productions, Ave liaA e condensed into a 
small space much information concerning tlieir cultivation, &c., 
Avhich to those unacquainted with the climate and soil of Flori- 
da, Avill prove, Ave doubt not, both interesting and useful. We 
])laceiirst on the list, 

INDIAN CORX. 

It is to the mass of the people the "staff of life." It is groAAii 
in all parts of the State. On rich bottom lands from fifty to 
sixty bushels per acre is raised, Avhile on ordinary pine lands, 
witliout manure, ten bushels per acre is a fair crop. February 
is the best montli to plant. The common method is to plant in 
hills, four feet apart each Avay, tliinning out to one or tAVO stalks 
to each hill at the first plowing. Three ploAvings are usually 
given ; the last early in June. The hand-hoe is used at the first 
and second ploAA'ings, to cut the Aveeds not turned imder by the 
plow. It is customary, in the latter part of Jidy, after the Cot- 
ton cro]) has been laid by, to strij) off the blades and bind them 
in bundles lor fodder, but Ave doubt if it AAdll pay at the present 
cost of labor. During the fall months the ears of corn are 
broken off and stored in the crib Avithout Imsking. This is to 
prevent tlie depredations of the Aveevil upon the grain after it is 
stored. 

COTTON. 

In 1860 Florida produced 63,322 bales of ginned cotton. 
The crop of last year, though much less in quantity exceeded in 
value that of 1860, but did'not pay the cost of cultivation on 
the Avhole. Without doubt, hoAvever, it Avill continue to be cul- 
tivated and to be an important staple, but Avill not, as formerly, 
monopolize the capital and industry of the country, l^oth tlie 
long staple or sea-island, and the short staple or upland Cotton 
are cultivated. There is but little long cotton groAvn west of 
the SuAvanee river, except in the county of Gadsden, and scarce- 
ly any short cotton east of the SuAvanee. April is the month 
foi- planting. Many commence the last of March. The picking- 
season commences the last of August, and continues until Christ- 
mas. Tavo hundred to three hundred pounds of short Cotton 
per acre is a fair yield u])on ordinary soils, but five hundred 



38 

pounds per acre is not an unusual crop on strons; land. Lonn 
Cotton produces from one hundred to two hundred pounds per 
acre as an average croj), but under favorable circumstances, 
three hundred and even four hundred pounds have been raised. 
AVe cannot enter into the details of its culture, and give no es- 
timates upon the cost of cultivation. It is generally conceded 
that the plantation system must pass away, and the large land- 
ed estates be divided up into small larms, to be cidtivated in the 
main by those avIio hold the title to the soil. This change, ol 
course, is not to be effected in one year or live, but there is rea- 
son to believe that this generation, even, will see it consumma- 
ted. "Whether cotton will continue, under the new system, to 
be our most im})ortant stajile is, of course })roblematical, but tlie 
conditions under which it will be cultivated will be so different, 
that an estimate of tlie cost of cultivation under the present 
method, Avould be of little value. 



SUGAli. 

Sugar Cane has been cultivated in small j)atches for home 
consum))tion, and to some extent for market. The adaptability 
of the soil and climate of Florida to its culture has long been 
knoAvn, but owing to a variety of causes, its resonrces in this 
direction have hardly begun to lie developed. As early as 182o, 
Vignolles writes as follows : — "Respecting Sugar, the recent 
successful trials that have been made upon it, have determined 
the curious fact that it will groAV in almost any of the soils ol 
Florida, south of the mouth of St. Johns river; the great length 
of summer, or ])eriod of absolute elevation of the thermometer 
above tlie freezing point, allows tlie cane to ripen much higher 
than in Louisiana." Williams, Avriting in is;i7, says: — " Tlii> 
(Sugar,) ought to be the staple of the country, Exjieriments ii; 
every part of the territory prove that all our good lands will 
produce Sugar Cane as well as any other croji." Further on he 
says: — "A general impression has prevailed that sugar could 
not be made to advantage unless a great cajiital is invested ; but 
experience abundantly proves that- a small ca])ital may be a> 
protitalily employed in the culture of Cane as in any other pro- 
duct." The truth of the above statements has been i)roved by 
recent experiments, A correspondent of the Evening Post, 
writing from Enterprise the ]iast Avinter, says : — "Sugar cane 
has been raised with success for many years, I saw on the farm 
of (), C, Arnett, on the lake, the largest field I have yet found 
in the State, He cultivated ten acres. His land is hammock, 
and has been cultivated witliout manure for nearly twenty yeai>. 
3[v. Arnett's crop was not ])lanted until the middle of Februa- 
ry, instead of the usual time, lietween Christmas and the last ol 
January, He banked the earth around the cane throughout the 
season, leaving a deep furrow lietweeii the rows, lie has just 



39 

finished manufacturing his crop, and finds that it has produced 
at the rate of 1,500 lbs. of Sugar, and 300 gallons of Molasses 
to the acre. Allowing a gallon of Molasses to make five 
jDounds of Sugar (a low estimate,) and we have 3,000 pounds to 
the acre, from land which has been cultivated without manui-e 
for near tAventy years. Solon Ivobinson, who spent the past 
winter in Florida, gives an extended account of the experiments 
of Mr. MV. W. Ilolden, of Orange County, in the ciilture of Su- 
gar Cane, from which we extract the following : " Mr. Holden's 
place is upon just such land as composes the great body of East 
Florida — that is, dry sandy soil with clay deep down ; the most 
common growth long leaf pine [innus palustrts^ some oaks, hick- 
ory, holly, and other trees, and a natiiral growth of weeds that 
would astonish a northern farmer. With good cultivation in a 
favorable season, Mr. Holden estimates a fair crop of corn at 20 
bushels per acre in that vicinity. His crop last year was 1 7^^ 
bushels per acre. Since the war he has been expernnentmg 
with Sugar Cane upon such land as I have described — that is, 
good, fair quality, sandy, pine land ; such as gave 1 V^- bushels 
of corn to the acre ; and this is the result. He had, the past 
season, 2 J acres of ' plant cane' (a term used to distinguish it 
from that which groAVS after the first year from the rattoons,) 
worked in the same way and to the same amount as he worked 
his corn ; and planted the same distance apart in Februarj-. It 
is usual to make beds for the cane. He did not, but cultivated 
flat and not as much as woiild have been profitable. He has 
(Jami.ary 15,) just finished grinding, and has 20 barrels of beau- 
tiful Sugar, worth 13c. per lb. at the mill, and 11 barrels Syrup, 
worth V5c. per gallon. He uses a three-roller iron mill, driven 
by a pair of horses, and it recpiires himself, three men and two 
boys ten days to work up the crop." jMr. Robinson estimates 
the cost of the above crop at $450, Estimating 225 lbs. of Su- 
gar to a barrel, at the prices mentioned, the crop would amoiiut 
to $673.65, or 1388.33 per acre. Beyond qiiestion, the ordinary 
yield of Sugar per acre, in Florida, is nearly twice as great as 
in Louisiana, and the soil is much easier tilled. The Cane pro- 
duces well from the rattoon for three to fiAC years, and even 
longer in the southern portion of the State. Experiments which 
have been made in fertilizing indicate that swamp muck is one 
of the very best manures for this crop. Of this there is an 
abundance witliin the reach of almost every man's farm. But 
there are tliousands of acres of rich hammocks yet in a state of 
nature, Avhich are susceptible of producing, for a series of years, 
without manure, as fine crops of Sugar as any that grow in the 
West Indies. The idea has been prevalent that Sugar Making 
must be conducted on a large scale to make it profitable, but 
this is an error. " I am now well satisfied," says Mr. Robinson, 
" that small farmers can grow Cane upon any good pine land by 
manuring, and can make Siigar as easily as Yankee farmers 



40 

make cider," and he adds : " Undoubtedly it would be juore 
remunerative, indeed extremely profitable, on a large scale." 



SWEET POTATOES. 

Xext to Indian Corn, the most imi)ortant article of vegetable 
food in common use is the Sweet Potato. They do best on a 
light soil, well manured. The yield per acre is from 100 to 300 
bushels, depending upon the season, culture and (piality of soil. 
They arc jiropagated from the seed, like Irish Potatoes; from 
draws, and from the vines. Under the first method, the Pota- 
toes are planted in hills or drills early in the season, and cultiva- 
ted very much the same as Irish Potatoes. By the second 
method, the Potatoes are planted thickly in a bed; when they 
have sprouted two or three inches, the young shoots, called 
draws, are broken off and set out in the field. This must be 
done in damp or showery weather. The third is by cutting off 
and planting out pieces of the vines, after the i)lants have com- 
menced running. The crop raised from vines is later, but fre- 
(juently not inferior either in quantity or quality to that raised 
l)y the other methods of propagation. The early croj) begins 
to mature about midsummer. The cro)) is a profitable one, and 
deserving of more attention, as a market cro}), than it has hith- 
erto received. Sweet Potatoes l)ear shii)ment well, and always 
command good ])rices m the Xorthern markets. 



IRISH POTATOES. 

This cro]) does not ])roduce as well as at the North, but is off 
in time to be followed by a crop of Sweet Pot^itoes the same 
year. They should be planted in January, although good crops 
are sometimes obtained from later planting. A covering of 
muck, grass or coarse compost is very beneficial. The Potatoes 
are fit for digging in !May. They can be shipped without diffi- 
culty, and at a moderate expense, to the northern markets, 
where they are worth eight to nine dollars per barrel. The cul- 
ture is essentially the same as that practiced at the Xorth. 



UICE. 

There is much low land in Florida, well adapted to the cul- 
ture of Kice. It has been raised to quite an extent for home 
consumption. Eorty to sixty bushels per acre of rough rice is 
an average crop. It is not likely to become a staple croj), still 
it may l)e cultivated to advantage in many locations. It is nnu-h 
\ised as an article, of food by all classes. 



41 

TOBACCO. 

Cuba Tobacco was largely cultivated in the county of Gads- 
den before the war, and to some extent in some other portions 
of the State ; but it is now almost entirely neglected. The cul- 
tivation is somewhat tedious. There is no crop that requires so 
constant attention. Three cuttings in a season are produced 
from the same stalks. Tobacco is an exhaustive crop, and re- 
cjuires a fertile soil. Still its cultivation on a small scale may 
be made extremely proiitable. Seven hundred pounds to the 
acre is an average yield. 

INDIGO. 

Under the British occupation of Florida, Indigo Avas the prin- 
cijjal st.^})^. It is a sure crop, but its culture has been wliolly 
abandoned. The plant lias become naturalized or is indigenous, 
and is found growing v»'ild in various parts of the State, and 
will, doubtless, at some future time, be cultivated extensively. 



SISAL HE3IP. 

Dr. Henry JAnine introduced the Sisal Hemp into South 
Florida some twenty-five years ago, from Yucatan. It is truly 
a tropical plant. The soil and climate south of the line of frost 
is v/ell adapted to its growth. Heretofore tlie difficulty has been 
in devising some economical method of separating the hbrefrom 
tlie pulp. A machine has been invented recently, Avhich is 
cheap, and believed to be efficient. Concerning its culture the 
late Wm. C. Dennis, of Key West, says : " It is no longer an 
experiment licre, as to the growth of the plant, the amount of 
the product or the value of the fibre. It requires no replanting 
and very little care after tlie iirst year or tvro. A ton of cleaned 
hemp can be made to the acre, worth at least $300.4>er ton. 



CASTOR BEAX. 

The Palma Christi, or Castor Bean, grows luxuriantly. In 
the southern portion of the State it is pei-ennial, and attains the 
size of a small tree. It is frequently seen in gardens and in 
waste places. We do not know that any experiments have 
been made in its cultivation as a field crop ; but we deem it 
worthy of attention. 

SILK. 

Much has been said and Avritten about the breeding of Silk 
Worms, and production of Silk, in Florida. At one time Silk 
growing received considerable attention at St. Augustine. The 



42 

conditions for a, successful prosecution of the business seems 
peculiarly favorable. Tlie mulberry is a native of our forests. 
Cocoons of tiie Silk "Worm are often found u})on them. The 
climate is more mild than tliat of Italy. There is no reason 
^\■h\ tliis valuable staple sliould not be largely produced. 

COFFEE. 

We know no reason why Coftee could not be grown success- 
fully south of the 28th i)arariel ; but we have not been able to 
learn from any reliable source, that any experiments have been 
made in its culture. More than forty years ago, a Phi]adeli)hia 
Company sent out an expedition to exj)lore the country and 
select suitable spots for the cultivation of the Coifee i)lant ; but 
the project Avas abandoned, Congress refusing the grant of hmds 
required by the Company. If our climate and soil should be 
found suitiible for the culture of Coflce, it could not fail to be- 
come, in a few years, an important staple. 



TEA. 

The eftbrts wliicli have l)een made heretofore to introduce tlie 
culture of tea into the United States, do not seem to have met 
with the success wliich had been anticipated. The soil of ]Mid- 
dle Florida is said to resemble in quality that whicli is so mudi 
sought after in Assam by Tea-growers, and its culture may bo- 
come an important branch of industry at some future day. 



PEAS. 

The common English Pea is not cultivated as a iield croj«. 
The CoAV Pea is extensively grown and produces excellent crojjs. 
It resembles the bean family in the appearance of its foliage and 
the manner of its growth. It is common to sow tliem between 
the roAvs of corn at the last ploAving. Tliey will j>roduce from 
ten to tifteeii bushels ])er acre, besides a large amount of forage. 
On account of the luxuriant growth of vine, on poor soils even, 
its culture as a green crop, to bo turne<l in, lias bocn recom- 
mended. 

PEA-NUTS. 

The Pea-Xut, Pinder, Goobi-r or Ground-P\\a, as the jdant i^ 
varicusly called, grov\s well on almost any warm, light soil. 
The seed sliould be planted early in the s])ring. The after cul- 
tivation is simple. \ hundred bushels to the acre is an average 
crop. They are worth ^'2 50 to $3 00 per bushel. The nut pro- 
duces an oil, which is said to be equal to the finest olive oil. 



I 

i 



43 

RAMIE. 

The IJamie plant bas been recently introduced into Louisiana. 
It is believed it "svill become an important Southern staple. The 
plant produces a fibre of line quality and glossy whiteness, which 
is used in manulacturing cloths, either by itself or mixed with 
silk or wool. It is a hardy and vigorous grower, and, in this 
climate, perennial. The Eamie belongs to the family of XJrtica- 
ccce, of which the common nettle is an example, and to which the 
hemp plant belongs. It is claimed that tlie fibre of the Ramie 
is stronger than the best European hemp ; that it may be spun 
as fine as that of flax, and that it is doubly durable ; that it will 
produce from three to five annual crops, each equal to tlie best 
gathered from hemp. 

ARROW ROOT. 

The Koonta, or Indian ArroM'-root, grows wild in the south- 
ern portion of the peninsula. It was formerly manufactured 
quite extensively ; the sole labor consisting of bringing it from 
the forest lands and conveying it to the mill ; the simple stirrino- 
occasioned by the digging being sufficient to secure a better 
crop than the one just removed. 

The ]>ermuda Arrow-root also flourishes, producing, even on 
jiine lands, from two hundred to three liundred bushels per acre. 
The yield of merchantable Arrow-root Flour, obtained by tlv.' 
imi^erfect mills, is from six to eight lbs. to the bushel. 

WHEAT, RYE AND OATS. 

Wheat has been grown in the Northern part of the State, but 
is so uncertain a crop tliat it is not cultivated. Rye and Oats 
are raised to some extent, chiefly as forage crops. They should 
be sowed early in the winter. Unless the crop ripens before 
Avarm weather comes on, ^ery little o;rain v\'ill be obtained. 



GAEDEN VEGETABLES. 

Under this head we shall notice the crops usually cultivated 
in market gardens, to the production of which the soil and cli- 
mate of Florida are admirably adapted. The growing of vege- 
tables for the northern markets has not, until recently, received 
any attention. In view of the fact, however, that vegetables 
grown here can be placed in the markets of the nortliern sea- 
board cities from a month to six weeks earlier than from any 
other point, many have been encouraged to experiment, while 



44 

some parties liave engaged in the business quite extensively. 
The eliiefdit^iculty wliich lias been eucoinitered is tliat of trans- 
portation. Mistakes liave also been made in pickino- too green 
or two ripe ; and careful ])aeking for shipment, has not received 
sufficient attention. The delays incident to transhipment at 
Savannah or Charleston, have been such that in several instances 
shipments of Tomatoes have become utterly worthless on reach- 
ing New York. This year, however, the connections are closer, 
and Ave do not hear so niuch complaint. There is little doubt, 
however, that before another season, a line of steamers will run 
between Jacksonville and Xew York. This will save from one 
to two days time on the passage, besides the injury arising from 
re-shipment. Direct steam communication Avill enable the gar- 
deners on the St. Johns river to place in the Xew York market, 
in good condition, and with little risk; if properly packed. To- 
matoes, Cucumbers, Green Peas, Snap Beans, Melons, Green 
Corn, etc., &c., as early in the season as re<iuired, and at a fair 
jirofit. We have little doubt tliat Florida will become, at no 
<listant day, the early market garden of all the northern cities. 
Anothei" Year will see the business larii'elv increased-* 



T():\IATOES. 

The Tomato is easily cultivated, and ])roduces abundantly. 
If tlie soil is not already in good condition, fertilizers should be 
used. It is bad policy to attempt to raise any garden crop on 
])00r soil. It ripens from !May to July. PLarly lots sell for 
almost marvelous prices in Xew York — §1,200 has been netted 
from a single acre. Col. Kodman, who has had much expe- 
rience with this crop, says it Avill yield from four hundred to 
five hundred bushels to the acre, in ordinary seasons. By the 
use of cold frames there would be no difficulty in having ripe 
Tomatoes at Jacksonville in ^farch, and by the aid of an ordin- 
ary hot bed they could be had during the entire winter. South 
of Palatka they are ripened in the open air every month in the 
year. 

CUCUMBERS. 

In 3Iay last, Florida Cucumbers wei'e quoted at §10 per hun- 
dred in the Xew York ^Market. At this rate they would be an 
exceedingly ])rofitable crop. The plant lias to contend with 
few of the enemies which prove so destructive at the Xorth. 
It is ready for market about the same time as the Tomato, and 
bt'avs shipment exceedingly Avell. 



*()ur Ktatoinonts as to the time of ripening. A:c., of thi? variouR crops, apply to the latl- 
tiiile of Jacksonville, unless otherwise 8tat('tl. As far south as Knterpristf, nearly all the 
vctjetables cultivatoU in a market jrarden, can be ripened auy month in the year. 



45 

MELONS. 

Tliere is no country where the Watermelon attains greater 
perfection than in Florida, and we might add, where they can 
be raised with less care. Tlie Muskmelon and Cantaloup also 
flourish. Melons and Cucumbers should be planted in March ; 
April will do, however, for Melons, and sometimes is necessary — 
tlie iirst jjlants being occasionally destroyed by cold weather. 
Watermelons being bulky, and liable to injury from liandling, 
are not so well adapted lor shipment as Tomatoes and Cucum- 
bers ; but thousands have been sliipj^ed the past season, and 
])rolitably laid down in Xcw York. They arc abundant all 
through June and July. 

PEAS. 

Soils that contain some lime, quite rich and moderately moist, 
are the best for Peas. The month of January is the best time 
to plant. The crop will then be ready for market in April, at 
which season Green Peas command high prices in Xcw York. 
They bear shipment well, and will be found a profitable crop. 

BEANS. 

Beans of all kinds groAV well, particularly tlie Lima Bean, 
which should be planted early in March. The Lima or Butter 
Bean, as it is commonly called, is found in almost every garden. 
Of its value as a market crop, we are unable to speak. Snap 
Beans are very prolific, and their culture for shipment North is 
worthy of attewtion. 

CABBAGES AND TURNIPS. 

Cabbages succeed best in winter. Sown in Fall they Avill 
produce fine heads in the Spring months. A rich and moist soil 
is best suited to the crop. Turnips can be had fresh nearly 
every month in the year. In the summer they do not bottom 
well, but are a valuable winter crop. Cauliflower, Brocoli, and 
Kohl Rabe are grown without difticult3\ The latter is very 
common in our market. 

BEETS, &c. 

Beets do best in a deep, rich, moist soil. For winter use, 
plant in September or October; for summrt-, in January or Feb- 
ruary. Carrots and Parsnips should be treated in the same 
manner. None of these crops produce as well as at the North. 

MISCELLANEOUS CROPS. 

Nearly, if not quite all the vegetables usually cultivated in a 
good family gai'den can be raised for liome use. Squashes are 



46 

•vroAvn Avith great case and of the best (luality. Onions grown 
from "sets" seem to produce best. Lettuce, Itaclishes, Cellery, 
etc., etc., grow to perfection ; also Peppers, Parsley, &c. As- 
paragus and Rhubarb succeed with the usual attention. The 
Kgg Plant does finely. Okra is found growing in every garden. 
It is highly prized by the old residents. The edible part is the 
'j;recn seed-pods ; from these the celebrated gumbo soup is made. 
They are also boiled and served as Asparagus. 

It may be observed that with jiroper care and attention, fresh 
vegetables may be had for the table every day in the year. For 
u family to bethus supplied would be desirable, both on the 
score of health and economy. In warm climates vegetable food 
is more wholesome than animal, and we urge ujjon all new 
comers the importance of giving early attention to the kitchen 
■xarden. 



FRUITS. 

"VVliatever opinion may be ;ormed as to the adaptation of 
Florida to the successful cultivation of farm and garden crops, 
there can be but one opinion as to its fitness for the growth of 
tropical and semi-tro}»ical Fruits. In this respect P"'lorida en- 
joys a monopoly which, when fairly develoi)ed, will make her 
one of the richest and most imi)ortant of tiie United States. 
Oranges, Lemons, Pine Apples, and various other tropical 
Fruits, will yield an average profit of at least one thousand dol- 
lars per acre yearly. It is the adaptability of the climate to 
these productions, that makes even the inferior lands of Florida 
susceptible of producing crops more valuable than those of the 
best lands in other ))arts of the Union. The culture of Fruit in 
Florida, without doubt, offers greater opportunities for practi- 
cal and energetic Fruit Growers, than in any other part of the 
Union. It is the appreciation of this fact that is awakening 
such an interest in the l)usiness, and bringing to our shores 
large numbers from nearly every State. To sui)ply, as far as 
possible, the general want of information upon the subject of 
Fruit Culture in Florida, we have collected the following l>ages, 
I'rom the materials in our possession, and from individual observ- 
ation. 

OHAXGES. 

The Orange belongs to the citrus fiimily, in wliich are includ- 
ed the Lemon, Lime, Citron, Shaddock and similar fruits. The 
varieties are numerous. In their native state they continue 
fiowering nearly all the summer, and for a considerable portion 
of the year. Every stage of growth, from the ilower, bud, and 
ripe fruit, can bo soi'ii on tlie s:ime tree. The Sour Orange and 



the Bitter-sweet grow wild wpon tlie St. Johns and Indian 
rivers, and in many other parts of the peninsula. A correspon- 
dent of the New York World, writing from Indian River, says : 
" The primeval woods on the banks are vast gardens of the sonr 
wild Orange, the juice of which is acrid as vinegar, and when 
mixed with sugar and Avater makes an excellent beverage that 
has many tonic qualities, that act as a preventive or cure to the 
light fevers of the country. These Oranges are to be found in 
nearly every part of the woods, and we often had to clear the 
ground of vast quantities of the fruit before Ave could ]>itch our 
tents." The Orange is a sure crop. The tree is long-lived, and 
has very few enemies. The scale insect, [coeeics lieopcridum^) 
Avhich first made its appearance in 1838, and for a time proved 
a formidable enemy to the Orange tree, has nearly or altogether 
disappeared. North of the 30th deg. of latitude, except on the 
St. Johns and Apalachicola rivers, the crop is somewhat doubt- 
ful, being liable to be cut off by frost. Once, indeed, since the 
settlement of the country — in 1835, — the Orange and most 
other fruit trees were destroyed as far south as the 28th degree 
of latitude. At that time there were trees growing at St, Au- 
gustine more than one hundred years old. 

The Oranges of Florida are celebrated for their superior 
qxiality. At present the best method of establishing a grove is 
to set out the Avild Orange trees, and, at the proper time, bud it 
with the sweet orange. The sour trees may be dug up at any 
time during the winter and transplanted. They are usually cut 
off three to four feet from the ground at the time of taking up. 
During the summer months shoots large enough to bud will 
start out; tvro or three of the best are selected, and the others 
rubbed off. The buds grow the first year. The tree usually 
commences bearing the third year from transplanting. By the 
filth year a grove avcII cared for, ought to average 100 to the 
tree. The trees should be set 20 feet apart, Avhich gives about 
100 to the acre. Wild trees can be had in Jacksonville at about 
850 per hundred. They are brought from the hammocks on the 
upper St. Johns. When the supply of wild Orange trees are 
exhausted, as it Avill be, doubtless, within a few years, resort to 
nurserv stock will be necessary. But their propagation is not 
difficult. GroAvn from the seed, at the end of three years, the 
trees will be five to six feet high, and an inch or more in diame^ 
ter. These should be set out in the orchard and budded, as de- 
scribed for the Avild stocks. 

The orange will grow upon almost any soil, but in order to 
seciu'e good crops, a moderate degree of fertility is required. 
There is no place where the tree does better than upon the shell 
hammocks, indicating that lime is a valuable fertilizer. This 
can easily be supplied in the shape of marl or shells, in aiiy 
part of the State. Swamp muck is also a good manure. 

A grove in full bearing should average five hundred to tlie 



IS 

tree. Many trees will bear from one tliousand to three tliou- 
sand per year. Mr, C. F. Keed, of Mandarin, raised twelve 
thousand from three trees the past year — one tree bearinijc three 
thousand two hundred, one three thousand three hundred, and 
one five thousand five hundred. 8omeof them weighed as high 
as nineteen ounces. William Edwards, Esq., of Micanopy, has 
a fine grove of seventy-two trees in bearing, some of which bear 
from two to three thousand oranges each. 

In Jacksonville Oranges have sold, the ])ast season, at from 
twenty-five to sixty dollars jier thousand. Taking fi.ve Inuulred 
as the average ])er tree, and one hundred trees to the acre, and 
Ave have fifty thousand oranges from an acre, which, at forty 
dollars per thousand, which may be taken as the average price, 
v/ill give two thousand dollars; while at twenty-five dollars, the 
lowest ])rice at which good cn-anges Avere sold, Ave Iiave one 
thousand two hundred and fifty dollars as the income from n 
single acre. It requires no great outlay of cajiital to start an 
Orange grove, and its care involves no more labor than the care 
of an apple orchard of the same size. We leave it ibr parties 
interested to calculate the profits arising from an Orange grove 
of ten acres in full bearing. We are quite sure that the credit 
side of the sheet Avill show that the profit of growing the Or- 
ange is larger in ])roj)ortion to the expenditure of money and 
labor, than that (lerivcd horn the cultivation of any other crop 
grown in the I'nited States. The largest grove in the State is 
situated on the east coast, near Cape Canaveral. It is knoAvn 
as Dummit's (irove, from the name of the proprietor. It con- 
tains some one thousand three hnndrcd and fifty trees, Avhich 
have i)roduced, in a single year, seven hundred thousand oran- 
ges. The soil is a light sandy loam, underlaid Avith a rotten 
limestone. We believe that this is the only grove in the State 
exceeding oiu' thousand bearing trees. 

LEMONS, LIMES, CITRONS, &c. 

It Avill be unnecessary to go into detail regarding these fruits, 
since the remarks which Ave have made Avith regard to the soil, 
climate and culture required for the Orange, Avill apply etpuilly 
to them. The Lemon is, perha])s, a trifie more hardy than the 
Orange. The Sicily Lemon, budded on the sour or bitter-SAveet 
Orange, does finely. Last Fall, K. B. Cram, Esq., of this city, 
sent to a friend in New York, some specimens of Oranges and 
Lemons, as samples of what Florida can raise; in the collection 
Avas a small branch u])on Avhich greAV seven lemons. Six of 
these averaged 13 iiu-hes in circumference, and the Avhole 
AAX'ighed just seven pounds. They AA'ere raised by 31. I. Phillips, 
Es(j., two miles from Jacksonville. 

The Lime is a prolific bearer, and a most Avholesomc aiul ex- 
cellent fruit. In south Morida the tree is in bearing: nearly the 



49 

Avliole year. The green fruit makes a tine })reserve. They are 
easily propagated and come into bearing early. Doubtless a 
good business could be done at raising them for the juice, which 
is an article of conmierce. 

The Citron grows on a straggling bush, ■svhich requires sup- 
port while the Iruit is riijening. We have seen them six to eight 
inches in diameter, of a ricii yellow color, hanging from the 
slender branches, fitting emblems of the golden fruits of aii- 
tumn. The Citron does well wherever tlie Orange flourishes. 

The Shaddock resembles a large Lemon. It is a coarse fruit, 
and of little value except for culinary purposes. 

The Grape Fruit is similar to the Shaddock. 

All the above can be propagated by budding, more easily 
even, than the Orange. 

PEACHES. 

The Peach attains its highest degree of perfection at the 
South. The trees possess more vigor and greater longevity 
than at the Nortli. But little attention has been paid to the 
cultivation of the better varieties, but tliey seem to do equally 
Avell with the native seedlings, from which the greater portion 
of the fruit brought to our market is produced. So well adapt- 
ed is the climate to the growth of the Peach, that they are 
found growing wild by the road-sides and in the corners of the 
fences. AVith direct steam communication, there will be no 
difficulty in shipping them to New York, where, during the 
months of June and July they would command high prices. 
D. Redmond, of Augusta, Georgia, late editor of the Southern 
Cultivator, says : " Wlien the peach tree receives any thing like 
proper culture, or attention in our climate, it is liable to no dis- 
eases ; and is far more thrifty and long-lived than in more 
northern localities. We have no yellows, nor similar malady ; 
and all that is necessary to keep the tree in perfect health is 
judicious pruning (shortening in) and frequent stining of tlie 

surface soil around it." 
/ 

GPvAPES. 

The South is the true home of the Grape. It is found wild 
in the forests of Florida, and grows luxuriantly. In the south- 
ern part of the State three crops of grapes in a year are gath- 
ered. The Black Hamburg, White Muscat, Golden Chessalas, 
and other foreign Grapes grow and fruit finely in the open air. 
, The Concord succeeds well, and is so much improved that it is 
nearly equal in cpiality to the Black Hamburg. The Scupper- 
noug is cultivated more widely than any other variety. It 
makes a fine wine by the addition of a little sugar ; equal to any 
manufactured in California, as we have been assured by good 



60 



judges. Over 2,000 gallons have been made from an acre. 
But little attention has been given to vine culture, and doubt- 
less, varieties may be found better adapted to our soil and cli- 
mate than any of those mentioned. 



FIGS. 

Of all tlie fruits cidtivated in the South, says a distinguished 
horticidturist, the Fig requires the least care, and is one of the 
most i)roductive a)id useful. It is propagated readily from cut- 
tings, ■which usually bear the second year. During the summer 
months the Fig may be found upon the breakfast tables of all 
lovers of fine fruit. When ripe, it is mild, rich and luscious, 
"without being cloying even to those of the most delicate appe- 
tite. Being very perishable, it is valuable only for tlie home 
market. The dampness of the climate does not admit of its 
being put up like the figs of commerce. This difficulty may, 
doubtless, be overcome by artificial means, and "would make tlie 
Fig an article of great commercial value to the State. A moist 
and fertile soil is best suited to the fig ; but it grows readily in 
almost any location. Every one in Florida "who owns a foot of 
land may literally "sit under his own vine and fig tree." 



POMEGRANATES. 

The Pomegranate is common in Florida. There are the sweet 
and sour varieties. The bush is a pretty ornamental shrub, and 
with its beautiful blossoms and i)endant fruit, is decidedly orna- 
mental. The rind is very bitter, and has been used as a substi- 
tute for Peruvian bark; but the juice, which is contained in lit- 
tle sacks surrounding the seeds, is a pleasant acid, and (piite 
agreeable. 

APPLES, PEAKS AND QUINCES. 

These fruits have been cultivated in the northern part of tlie 
State, but we cannot recommend them as worthy of general 
attention. There are instances of the Pear having been grafted 
on the wild Hawthorn with good results. The (Quince, too, 
may succeed moderately well under favorable circumstances. 



PLUMS, CIIEKKIES, &c. 

The Plum grows wild all over the State, and some of the va- 
rieties are scarcely inferior to many of the cultivated sorts. 
The tree is not subject to " black knot," or other serious mala- 
dies. Doubtless, the better varieties can be successfully worked 
on the wild stocks. The Clierry docs not succeed well ; the 



51 



Currant, also, lias been rehictautly discarded. xVpricots and 
Xectarines succeed quite as well as the Peach. 



BERRIES. 

There is no place where the Blackberry is more perfectly at 
home, than in Florida. The running variety, or Dewberry, 
commences ripening early in April, and continues in bearino- till 
May, when the high Blacklterry conies on, and continues in 
bearing until July. The Lawton was fruited by Dr. Sanborn 
last year. He says : " It did well, but needs moist ground." 
The Huckleberry grows everywhere, and is plenty in market 
during the month of May. The Strawberry is easily cultivated 
and bears abundant crops. It requires a moist and fertile soil. 
The fruit commences ripening in March, and the vines, if freely 
watered, will continue in bearing lor six months. Wilson's 
Albany is, perhaps, the best variety for this latitude. Hovey's 
Seedling also does well. The MullDerry grows wild, and bears 
two crops in a year. The northern Gooseberry and Cranberry 
do not succeed, 

THE OLIVE. 

The Olive has been successfully cultivated, and is deserving 
attention. Trees grown from the seed commences bearing the 
tenth year, and are fully productive about the twentieth or 
twenty-lifth. 

THE BANAXA AND PINE-APPLE. 

In all the southern portion of the Peninsula the Banana does 
linely. In the northern part of the State they require protec- 
tion in winter. The Pine-apple also succeeds admirably in 
South Florida, It and the Banana are raised from suckers, 
which come into bearing about eighteen months after being 
planted. The stalks die after fruiting, and give place to suck- 
ers which spring up around the ])arent stalk. Tlie Banana 
grows to the height of ten feet ; the Pine-apple to a height of 
about three feet. 



MISCELLANEOUS. 

Of strictly tropical fruits that are worthy of attention, in ad- 
dition to those above noticed, may be mentioned the Guava, 
Sai)padilIo, Sugar-ai)ple, Tamarind, Alligator Pear, Pawpaw, 
Plantain, Cocoa-nut, and perhaps the Date. All the above we 



52 

have seen groAving luxuiiantly in ►South Florida. Tlie Cocoa- 
nut is a large tree, rising above all the other trees of the forest. 
The fruit is ripening the year round. The Peaean-nut can bo 
raised Avithout difficulty, and probably the Almond. 

There is a broad field for experiment in connection -with the 
productions of Florida. She is still a " terra incognita," to a 
great extent. Her cajjacities are comparatively untested and 
unknown. They await the hand of industry, enterprise and 
skill to develope them, and to make the " land of flowers " not 
only the most salubrious, but in the variety and value of its 
productions, the most wealthy portion of the Union, 

STOCK RAISING. 

On much even of the poorer land in the State is to be found 
a large growth of Oaks, scattered among the Pines, Avhich fur- 
nishes abundant of mast, on whicli, in the genial climate of 
Florida, with little care or protection, hogs can be raised ad 
libittmi. They are to be found everywhere, throughout the for- 
ests of the whole peninsula, half-wild and in good condition, 
linding easily an independent itU])j)ort. Kept, or rather un- 
kept, as they are, they are a nuisance ; but the fencing in of a 
sufficient " range," and the occasional distribution of a little 
feed, would enable a fjirmcr to raise hogs enough to furnish a 
considerable reveniie. 

The whole territory is likewise covered Avith a more or less 
thick coat of divers wild grasses, Avhich retain their greenness 
to a greater or less extent throughout the year. Cattle main- 
tain themselves in good condition entirely Avithout care. In tlu' 
southern jiortion of the peninsula are found large moist prairies, 
called savannahs, covered Avith tall grasses, Avhich afford very 
good nutriment for cattle. Upon them large herds of cattle pas- 
ture, Avhich are driven up o'ccasionally by their OAvners ; the 
beeves selected out, and the calves marked. Capt. 3IcKay, of 
Tampa, has been engaged in the cattle trade for a number of 
years, running a line of steamers to Cuba tAVO to three times a 
month, loaded Avith Florida beeves. During the Avar the Con- 
federate authorities drcAV large supplies of beef from Florida. 
Some of the heavy cattle men OAvn as many as 25,000 head, and 
have made fortunes out of the bushiess. 

Sheep also do well in Florida. It may be doubtful if as line 
a quality of avooI could be raised as farther to the north, but 
the mutton is of a superior quality. 

Whether any of the so-called tame grasses can ever be success- 
fully cultivated in Florida, and if so, Avhat are the best varie- 
ties, never seems to have l)een satisfactorily determined, lint, 
though not as yet sufficiently tested by actual experiment, the 
abundant groAvth of the Avild grasses throughout the forest, and 
the fact that the corn fields, betAvecn the last hoeing and the 



53 



harvest, often show a growtli of grass, called Crab Grass, suffi- 
cient, if cured, to make a ton or ton and a half to the acre of 
rich and succulent fodder, sufficiently indicates the adaptabilitj' 
of the State to the r'-rowth of tame grasses. 



TIMBER AND LUMBER. 

Florida is, beyond question, the best timbered State in the 
Union, Out of about 38,000,000 acres, only some 3,000,000 is 
included in farms, and of the rest nineteen-twentieths, exclusive 
of the area covered by rivers and lakes, is covered with heavy 
forests. On all the least moist and more level portions the Pine 
is the prevalent forest tree — either the yellow or the pitch Pine. 
It grows with great beauty, and attains a large size, furnishing 
some of the handsomest Pine Lumber to be found in the mat'- 
kets of the world. The extent of the Pine lands and the possi- 
ble amount of lumber that could be manufactured, Avould be 
almost incredible to one Avho has never visited Florida. There 
are probably more than 30,000 square miles of heavy Pine for- 
est within the limits of the State. 

In the moister lands, along the rivers and creeks and on tlie 
margins and swamps, an almost intinite variety of trees are to 
be found, of which the more valuable for timber and lumber are 
Live Oak, White Oak, the Hickory, the Ash, the Birch, the 
Cedar, the Magnolia, the Sweet Bay, and the Cypress. Of all 
these varieties a great abundance is to be found throughout the 
State. Of Pine of the best quality, of Cedar and Cypress in 
particular, the supply for any purposes of manufacture, may 
well be said to be inexhaustible. The larger proportion of what 
has loosely been called swamj) in Florida, is simply low ham- 
mock, Avith a soil of inexhaustible fertility, and covered witli a 
dense growth of mainly Cypress, Magnolia and Sweet Bay. 
The timber of the Cypress more nearly resembles that of the 
northern Basswood than anything else. It is not quite as close- 
grained, perhaps, but it is about the same weight and tough- 
ness, and is fully as easily Avorked, and can be used nearly as 
Avell for all the purposes to Avhich BassAvood is applied. It is 
more easily split than BassAvood ; but it is, with that exception, 
as susceptible of being Avarped and bent into desirable shapes. 
For clothes-pins, for fork and rake and broom handles, and for 
pails and tubs,, Cypress furnishes an excellent material; AA'hile 
the red Cedar of the coast and swamps and rivers, Avould yield 
the best knoAvn material for the pails and tubs of a nicer and 
more costly description. 

The timber of the Magnolia, also, is susceptible of a variety 
of uses; similar to BassAVOod in color and fineness of grain it 
can be brought to a fine ]:)olish, and is already being used for 
tlie nicer and finer kinds of Avheelrisfht and cabinet work. Of 



54 

this timber the su^jply is \QYy large. 

The wood of tlie Kcd or Sweet Bay, in fineness of texture and 
in its other vahiable qualities, stands next to Mahogany, and 
will, ere long, be in demand for cabinet Avork ; it abounds'in the 
State. 

The resources of Florida in the direction of the manufoctui-o 
of wooden ware, and of tools of all descriptions made from 
wood, have not only as yet never been developed, but have 
hardly been suspected. If an inexhaustible abundance of ma- 
terial, at the cheapest possible rates, and Acrj' great accessibility 
by water communication, are of any value and importance in 
promoting the success of wooden manufacture, then this bids 
fair to become a leading industrial pursuit in this State. 

Soon after the close of the war, the business of manufactur- 
ing Lumber Avas overdone, and was engaged in by many unac- 
customed to the work, consequently failure of course occured. 
and many mills stand idle. Whoever shall purchase these mills 
and convert them first into manufactories of Avooden Avare Avill 
haA'C an excellent j»rospect of a large and lucrative Imshiess. 



GAME AND FISIT. 

The great abundance of Oysters, Fish and Game to be found 
in the greater portion of the State, form an inducement of force 
Avith many, both on the ground of business and economy, as 
Avell as on account of the opportiuiity afforded to sportsmen. 
Every Avhere on the coast, both of the Ocean and the Gulf, ex- 
cellent Oysters abound. The Oysters of St. AndrcAvs Bay are 
celebrated through the Sou.th, and those of Indian River are 
larger, finer and still more abundant. And off more than halt 
the Florida coast, Turtle in immense <|uantities and of great 
size are continually taken ; but the capacity of these Avaters for 
Oysters and Turtle is almost inexhaustible. 

Fisli, too, of the best <piality, is to be found on all the coasts 
and in all the lakes and rivers, forming a chea]), easily attaina- 
ble and very Avholesome article of diet, and giving opi)ortiuuty 
for business in this direction to almost any extent. It is no ex- 
aggeration to say that the bays and inlets, as Avell as rivers of 
Florida SAvarm Avith valuable fish — Mullet, Bass, Sheeps-head, 
Trout — salt Avater and fresh, and innumerable other varieties 
abound ; and latterly it has been discovered that very valuable 
Shad Fisheries may be carried on in A'arious localities. 

Turkeys, Ducks, Sijuirrels, Deer and Bear are to be found 
throughout the State, and perhaps no ]tart of the United States 
can furnish a more exciting or agreeable Avintcr hunting grt)und 
than Indian Biver and the Gidf coast. 

While the larger portions of the North and West are covered 
Avith snoAv, and the frost holds absolute and iron sAvay, the 
hunter in the Indian Biver region, may comfortably camp out, 



55 

month after month, with a single blanket, taking as he needs, 
his Sweet Potatoes from the gromid, and the Orange, Lemoi) 
and Banana from the ^plantations along the route, and in the 
continuous sunshine of an unending Spring, surfeit himself with 
the pursuit of game. 

The gathering of Sponge, and the taking and preservation of 
Fish, Game and Turtle for the northern market, pursued some- 
what in the past, are bound in the future to furnish Incrative 
occupation to the labor and enterprise of multitudes. 

Key West is the headquarters of the Sponge business. Large 
quantities are annually gathered in the shallow waters along the 
coast. The Key West Dispatch says that over four thousand 
dollars worth of Sponge have been shipped from that port Avith- 
in the last two months. These .shipments do not include the 
finer quality, known as the sheep-Avool, but are confined to tlic 
grass and glove Sponges alone. The recent im^letus to this 
business gives employment to two hundred men and boys, thus 
afl:brding those fond of " sponging " an opportunity of engag- 
ing in it in a profitable way. 



SALT. 

The manufocture of Salt was carried on all along the coast 
during the war, and to some extent at the present time. The 
late Wm. C. Dennis, Esq., of Key West had just completed at 
the commencement of the war, extensive Salt Works on the Is- 
land of Key West, for the manufacture of Salt by solar evap- 
oration. Mr. Dennis had given much attention to the subject, 
and was confident of success, but the war coming on, the busi- 
ness was abandoned. The water of the Gulf is said to be Salter 
than that of tlie Atlantic, and all along tlie coast are excellent 
locations for extensive Salt Works. 



XAYAL STORES. 

The extensive Pine forests of Florida already furnish employ- 
ment to a large number engaged in the production of Xaval 
Stores. l\\ 1866 over $100,000 worth of Spirits of Turpentine 
was manufactured ; also, large quantities of Rosin. The trees 
in Florida have a much longer running season than those of 
Xorth or South Carolina. They are boxed in the winter. On 
the approach of warm Aveather thej^ commence running, and 
continue until cold weather in the fall. The crude turpentine 
Avhicli collects in the boxes is removed every month. It is 
Avorth about V5 cts, per CAvt,, Avherever there is a still. One 
hand Avill take care of 12,000 boxes, Avhich Avill yield 50 bbls. 
of Spirits of Turpentine, and 200 bbls. of Rosin in a good sea- 
son. Rain or Avater trans])ortation should be near at hand, as 



56 

freight is an important item. The business lias been yeai'ly in- 
creasing, and has Leeii reniinierative. 

Witliout a doubt, Hem]) in all its varieties, may be grown in 
Florida with abundant success. It grows luxuriously elsewhere 
under similar, or even less favorable circumstances of soil and 
climate. Some accounts of Sisal Hemp, by Wm. C. Dennis, of 
Key West, Fla,, taken from thePatent Office I'eport, is inserted 
here as possibly a matter of interest and likely to become a 
•source of ])rofit to our citizens : 

"])r. Henry Ferine, Avho was for a time Consul at Yucatan, 
among many other exotic j)lants, introduced into the southern 
part of this State, the Sisal Ilemji {Agave Simhina.) lie also 
introduced two other species of the agave, Avhich, from their 
hardy, self-propagating natures, not only survived the etfects of 
the change of climate, but increased rapidly until they were 
destroyed by the Indians, in 1846. ()ne of them Avas the 
" Pulque plant," froni which is manufactured, in Mexico, the 
celebrated domestic drink of that country ; and the other Avas 
the " Great American aloes," or " Century ])lant," {Agave Ameri- 
cana,) the fibre of which is manufactured into cordage and va- 
rious other articles of use. Of these three kinds of agave, so 
far as I know, the Sisal hemp is the only one which appears to 
l>c of much importance to us in an economical ])oint of view, 
although further ac(|uaintance and exi)erimcnts may prove the 
other two likewise valuable, especially the latter." 

"The gigantic plant out of which Sisal hemp is made, delights 
in acrid, rocky land, which contains a superaliundance of lime. 
This is precisely the condition of the soil of these Keys, and the 
extreme southerly part of the peninsula of Florida, where, alone, 
it could be cultivated in the absence of frost. It requires less 
culture than other products, but is much beneiited by kee])ing 
doAvir the weeds ; and although it grows best on lands Avhich 
have the deepest soil, yet it grows Avhere there is but little soil 
that appears among tlie rocks, sending its long, penetrating 
roots into the clefts and crevices of the rocks in search of black, 
rich vegetable mould. In fact, the lands on these Keys, and 
much of it on the southern point of the peninsula, are nearly 
worthless for every other agricultural piu-pose, so far as is 
known ; yet there are thousands of acres in this region where a 
ton of cleaned Sisal hemp can be made to the acre yearly after 
the plant has arrived at such an advanced stage as will allow 
the lower leaves to be cut from it, which takes, in this climate, 
from three to five years to grow, according to the goodness of 
the soil, and the attention given to keep the land clear of weeds, 
grass, tfec. It is no longer an experiment here, as to the growth 
of the plant, nor of the amount of the product; nor is there 
any longer a doubt as regards the value of the fibre, a number 
of tons of it haying already been collected and sent to market, 
where it readily brought within a half cent to a cent per pound 



as mucli as the best kind of Manilla hemp ; that is in the neigh- 
borhood of ^'250 per ton. Aboiit a thonsand plants shonld be 
set on an acre, and, from many yonng ones coming np from the 
long latteral roots, if these be kept at proper distance, it will 
be seen that the same lands will reqiiire no re-planting, if coarse 
vegetable manure be applied from time to time. After the 
plant is of sufficient growth, the lower leaves are cut off, at 
proper times, leaving enough on the top to keep it healthy. 
These leaves are composed of a soft Avatery pulp, and are from 
two to six feet long, and in the middle from four to six inches 
wide, being frequently three inches thick at the butt, having the 
general shape of the head of a lance. They contain a gum, 
which is the chief cause of their being rather troublesome in 
separating the fibres from the ])ulp. N either the e])idermis nor 
this pulp is more than a powder, after becoming dry, if the gum 
be entirely crushed and washed out. This is a most important 
fact in relation to the manner Lo be adopted to cleanse the fibres 
from the pulp. As these are continuous and parallel, and em- 
l)edded in it, I feel certain that a system of passing the leaves 
through a series of heavy iron rollers, firmly set, something 
after those used in grinding sugar cane, and throwing water 
upon the crushed leaves, in jets or otherwise, in sufficient quan- 
tities to wash out the giim, (which is perfectly soluble in it,) will 
thoroughly clean the fibres without any loss ;' so that, after they 
are dry, and have been beaten to get out the dust, they will be 
fit for market. ^\t any rate, the right plan for separating the 
fibres has not yet been discovered, although there has been 
enough done at it to show that they can be got out at a profit. 
Here the people either preserve the primitive ])lan, which is 
practised in Yucatan, of beating and scraping the leaves, or 
simply crush them in a pair of rollers, afterwards steeping the 
crushed ones in an alkaline solution for a few days, and then 
clean the fibres by a kind of combing process. But either 
scraping or combing destroys too many of the fibres by break- 
ing them, which would not be done by a system of rolling and 
washing oiit the gum. In Yucatan, they ferment the beaten 
leaves in w^ater or mud, but this stains and weakens the fibres, 
so as to reduce their value, I believe, more than half Even 
steeping the crushed leaves in an alkaline pickle, although it 
may not weaken the fibres much, as the juice of the leaves is 
acid, destroys that silky gloss which they possess Avhen got out 
of the fresh leaves." 



ROUTES AND EXPENSE. 

The usual, and perhaps the cheapest, and upon the whole, the 
most comfortable route to Florida, is by steamer from New 
York, direct to Fernandina or to Savannah, and thence to Jack- 
sonville. Settlei's coming by this route, can forAvard their heavy 



58 

baggage and houseliokl furniture by sailing vessel from New 
Yoi-k, or Boston, or Pliiladeli)hia. 

Another route is by Eailroad, via "Washington and Richmond 
to Cliarleston or Savannah, and thence by steamer to Jackson- 
ville ; or l)y railroad the -whole distance. The latter is most 
rapid, but least comfortable and most expensive. By steamer, 
the expense from Xew York is from >'2S to ^35, and by the all- 
railroad route would probably be '^50. These routes require 
from three to five days. 

A cheaper route would be by sailing vessel from any of several 
of the northern ports, from which vessels are frequently clearing 
for Florida, seeking freights of lumber. Many of the vessels 
are neat and roomy, and easily could, and if required \indoubt- 
edly ■would, atlbrdvery comfortable acconuuodation for ])assen- 
gers. The expense by this route would be much less than by 
any other, and 2:)assengers, at little cost, could bring with them 
their hoiisehold goods and furniture, and the thousand articles 
of comfort that are as desirable as they are expensive to replace. 
A passage thus by sailing vessel, would require, upon an aver- 
age, some ten days, although within the jiast season, vessels 
have made the passage by sail Irom New York in five days. 
The accessibility of Florida by such a variety of routes is not 
the least recommendation she can ofter to those proposing to 
chanjrc their location. 



TDIE OF STAKTIXG. 

As far as the mere question of preparing for business, wheth- 
er agricultural or other, or of engaging in it is concerned, ai\ 
ai'rival at any time within three months after September 1st is 
well enough, but on account of health and comfort, the inniii- 
grant should so tinae his departure as to arrive in October, No- 
Acmber or December. 

Thus lie will escape the severe weather of the most uncom- 
fortable season of the year, and will have ojjportuuity for par- 
tial acclimation during the season which is most favorable tt^ 
health here. The continuous warm Aveather of June, July and 
^Vngust is somewhat trying to the vigor even of long residents, 
and would be nnicli more so to new comers. Any predisposi- 
tion to fever or bilious com]ilaints generally, wt)uld be aggrava- 
ted by an arrival before the 1st of September, and in any event, 
it would be more prudent to avoid any such danger. 

.\gain, if one is disposed to settle upon new laud, time will 
thus be given to clear and prepare for a summer crop Avhatever 
land is desired ; Avhile if the settler prefers to purchase an im- 
proved farm, he will then be in season to put in a winter croj' 
of vegetables or grain, or to establish his vineyard or fruit or- 
chard, as he chooses. 



59 

PRICES OF LANDS. 

It is difficult to give satisfactory replies to tlie many ques- 
tions in reference to the price of lands. In fact land is from 
one dollar twenty-five cents to one hundred dollars per acre. 
There are in the State, probably, 18,000,000 acres of U. S. Gov- 
ernment lands, all of which are open to entry under the home- 
stead law. While much of these lands and those most accessi- 
ble have already been entered, there is still an immense amount 
of very good land upon which settlers can eflect entries for 
homesteads. 

There is also a large amount, probably more than 6,000,000 
acres of land, belonging to the State, which is open to purchase 
at from one dollar twenty-five cents to five dollars j^er acre. 
Of this, also, only the less accessible is in the market. Here, 
as in the other sections of the country, the value of land in the 
market depends upon its vicinity to the villages and cities, and 
upon its facilities for communication, as much as upon its in- 
trinsic worth. Plantations that are partially cleared and hav- 
ing improvements, such as buildings and fences, are worth from 
three to ten dollars per acre. Along the St. Johns, improved 
lands, especially those in the vicinity of Jacksonville and Pa- 
latka, are much higher. Lands having Orange groves in bear- 
ing, while estimated at from fifty to one hundred and fifty dol- 
lars per acre, are scarcely to be bought at any price. 

Average Pine land, somewhat removed from the settlements, 
can be purchased in small lots at not unreasonable prices, and 
in large lots can be had at a very cheap rate. Colonies of im- 
migrants by combination, could thus buy homes for all at a 
slight expenditure. 

The value of land of all kinds, is rapidly increasing in the 
more desirable portions of Florida, and the successful recon- 
strixction under the new Constitution, will add rapidly to the 
enhancement of prices. 

Much of the choicest land in the State, — that which was se- 
lected years ago by men most familiar with the quality of land, 
has for many years remained in the hands of the original 
grantees of the Spanish and English Governments, or their 
heirs. These grants were, many of them, of enormous extent. 
A vicious and unequal system of taxation, loosely administered, 
has hitherto favored this long-continued sequestration of the 
more valuable lands. Belonging to non-resident parties, diffi- 
cult of access and never fairly assessed, they have measurably 
escaped taxation on that accoimt. They have constituted a 
practical land monopoly of the worst description, and have 
operated largely to obstruct the settlement of tlie immense ter- 
ritory of the State. 

But the new Constitution, adopting an equitable and impar- 
tial system of taxation, by which the burdens of the State Gov- 
ernment will be equally borne by all the property of the State, 



6U 

will, ill its just and leuitimate operation, very soon compel a fair 
valuation and taxation of all those immense vacant and unpro- 
ductive tracts, and thus they will come into market, and make 
possible the ra])id development of the agricultural i-esources of 
the State. 

Generally, it may be said that the price of land need be no 
obstacle to deter the immigration of any — an abundance of good 
land can be had at reasonable prices. 



l^UILDINGS, THEIR CIIARACTEU AND EXPENSE. 

As is true of all other newly settled regions, the customs and 
fashions prevalent at large, do not require as expensive a style 
of dwelling houses or places of business, as in older-settled sec- 
tions, and in consequence of this, as well as on account of the 
mildness of the climate, the strong, tight, and expensive houses 
of the North Avould be not only not needed, but would in fact 
be out of character. 

A man who would feel constrained, in order to sustain a 
character for resjiectability as a reputable farmer at the Xorth, 
and indeed in order to make his family comfortable during the 
rigorous winters there, to expend from 81,500 to ?<2,500 for a 
farm dwelling-house, Avould not require, and indeed would not 
think of expending more than -^500 to $1,200 for a dwelling- 
house in Florida, 

A very large proportion of the dwelling-houses in Florida? 
not only on the farms and ])lantations, but in the towns and 
villages, are built by covering a frame with a weather-boarding 
<^>f common boards, nailed on vertically and then battened, 
while the inner j)artitioiis are made in the same way, or lathed 
and j)lastered, as the occupant chooses. And these simple 
houses, neatly Avhite-washed, with their invariably roomy piaz- 
zas, so entirely indispensable in this climate, and looking out 
through the dark shade of the oak, the magnolia, the oliander 
or the china tree, are not only })leasant to the eye, but tho- 
roughly comfortable and sufficient for am]>le ]>rote''tion against 
the severest Aveather ever knoAvn here. 

One jK'Culiarity of the? dwelling-houses in Florida, that at- 
tracts the attention of all strangers, is that they are destitute 
entirely of cellars. The houses are built upon wooden posts or 
brick i)illars, standing elevated some two to four feet above the 
surface of the earth, and thus giving ample oportunity for that 
thorough ventilation which is essential to health and comfort. 
Occasionally a small cellar can be found, but they are very 
rare. Thus the settler is relieved from a heavy item in the 
necessary expense of building a house at the Xorth. 



61 

COST OF CLEARING LAND. 

The cost of clearing laud varies as much as the price of laud. 
What are called " Lo^v Hammock " lauds are exceeding rich, 
and while they give Avhen cleared, a soil of great dej^tli and of 
inexhaustible fertility, they are covered Avith the densest con- 
ceivable growth of trees, shrubs and plants. The trees are 
large and stand thickly together, and with the undergrowth 
form an almost impenetrable mass of vegetable growth. To 
clear thoroughly such land requires much labor, of course. 
Probably the strong, thick, " Ioav hammock" will cost in clear- 
ing, from twenty to forty dollars per acre. 

The pine lands are more easily cleared. The trees often 
stand at some distance from each other, and a common prepar- 
ation of these lands, for cultivation, is made by girdling the 
trees and cutting out the undergrowth. The year after gird- 
ling, the tops of the trees are dead and offer no impediment to 
the rays of the sun, and a crop may be planted, the trunks re- 
maining to be removed at leisure. These lands can be cleared 
at slight expense, costing from four to ten dollars per acre. 

Excepting the treeless Western Prairies, there are no lands 
<^)f average fertility in the whole country that can more easily, 
cheaply and rapidly be pre2:)ared for crops, than the pine lands 
of Florida. A new comer, arriving in September or October, 
can with little expenditiire, within twelve months, transform a 
piece of wood tract into a field Avaving with a various and val- 
uable harvest. 

WAGES OF LABOR. 

There is a scarcity of field labor in some parts of the State, 
particularly the more remote, on account of the strong disposi- 
tion of the Freedmen, who constitute so large an element of the 
field laborers, to gather together and in the innnediate vicinity 
of the larger towns. Still, proprietors that deal kindly and hon- 
orably with tlieir help, are seldom at a loss for such help as they 
need. 

The ordinary method in the employment of field hands is to 
hire by the month, giving a certain agreed jjrice per month, and 
adding the usual rations ; and the rate of wages per month has 
been, during the cin-rent year, from ten to eighteen dollars, with 
rations, which are estimated to be worth six dollars per month 
additional. Field and other manual labor, by the day, has been 
worth from seventy-five cents to one dollar and fifty cents. 

Skilled labor of mechanics of all kinds is in demand at a fair 
compensation, say from two dollars to three dollars and fifty 
cents per day. Job-work, by all kinds of mechanics, is charged 
at a much higher rate comparativel3^ 

The State is much better provided with all kinds of profes- 
sional skill, than of mechanical. The professions of Law and 



(32 

Medicine are largely represented ; but good Blacksmitlis, Car- 
] tenters, Masons and Shoemakers, -would find abundant employ- 
ment. 

A good man, with either a profession or a trade, can easily 
and profitably carry on a small farm or garden, thus saving all 
lost time, and contributing to the necessary expenses of his 
family. 

EXPENSE OF LIVIXG. 

An erroneous notion seems widely prevalent, that the neces- 
sary household expenses of a family, living in Florida, are enor- 
mous ; and, no doubt, one whq comes here for a short time and 
takes u}> his abode at a Hotel or Boarding-house, will have rea- 
son to believe there is good foundation for the notion refer- 
red to. 

Kents are undoubtedly high in the larger to^TOs, but this is 
partly owing to the fact that the unsettled, condition of alfairs, 
social and political, has hitherto prevented the investment of 
capital in building, and the supply of tenements is short, and 
consequently rents are correspondingly high. 

There are also one or two more of the leading items in the 
expense of house-keeping, that are unreasonably higli, such as 
flour, sugar and pork; but with tliese exceptions, the necessary 
expenses of living are no higher than at the Xorth, as fish and 
fresh meats are correspondingly cheap. 

.\t our re(iuest, Mr. Robert B. Cram, a leading Grocer and 
Provision Dealer, on Bay street, in the City of Jacksonville, 
has very kindly furnished us with a list of the more ordinary 
articles repuired in keeping house, with their average prices 
during the ]>ast year. Mr. Cram i^ a large dealer, and a man 
whose character gives authority to any statement he may make : 

Flour per bbl., - - -Sll to8l7'Yeast Powders, p.box, 20 to 25 

Pork, " " - - 22 to 30 Hominy, ])er lb., 5 to 6 

Bacon, ribbed, per lb.. 15 to IV Meal, \m- bushel, l.GO to 2.00 
" cl'r rib'd '• "' 18 to 20 Tea, Japanese, per lb., 1.50 

Sugar, Cof "C " " 17 " Old Hyson " " 1.75 

" Brown, " " 15 " Youni? " " " 1.40 

" Crushed " " 20 " Com.Black" " 1.00 

" Pulv'd. '• " 20 " Guni)owd.," " 2.00 

Coftee, Bio, " " 25 to 30 Soap, Babbitt's,-' " 20 

" Java, " " 42 to 50: " Yellow, " " 15 
" Boast & oround,lS to 25'Peaches, 2* cans, 50 

Pepper, whole, ^" " 50 i " lO lb. cans. 3.00 

" ground, '• " 00 Soda, Bakin-a-, 20 

Pickles', 1 gal. jars, 1.25 " Washing, lO 

" h ^" " " 75 Codfish, ^ 10 

Hams, covered, per lb., 20 to 22 Butter, 50 to 70 

" naked, " " 15 to 20 Vinegar, per gallon, 60 to 1.00 



63 

Slioulders,smok. per lb. 14 to 18 Surup, per gal., 75 to 1.50 
Sides, dry salted, " " 15 to 18 Molasses, " " 60 to 1.00 
Cheese, factory, " " 20 to 25 'Hecker's self-raising ) r r, , ^^ 
Milk, condens., per can, .35 to 40 Plour, in 6lb. pkges. f 
Yeast Cakes, per pkge,,25 !Rice, per lb., 12 to 15 

Apples, dried, per lb., 15 to 20 Peaches, dried, per lb., 30 to 40 
Lard, " " 20 to 25; Brooms, each, 25 to 50 

Eggs, per dozen, 30 to 50jPepper Sauces, 25 

Corn, per bushel, 1.50 to l.TOHvetchup, 25 to 4o 

In a country where tlie owner of a fcAV aci-es of land, worth 
not exceeding '^5 per acre, having lOO bushels of corn, mav 
raise and fat, with little care and almost no other expense, a 
herd of swine as large as he chooses, and where salt from the 
Salt Spi'ings or from sea- water can be more easily manufactured 
than elsewhere, in the whole world, the price of pork is exorbi- 
tant. And the same is equally true of sugar. No where on 
earth can sugar be raised more easily or more abundantly. The 
cane does well everywhere in the State, and on Indian River, 
and in South Florida, and on the Gulf Coast, cane grows from 
five to ten consecutive years without replanting. Yet much of 
the Sugar for home consumption in the State, is imported from 
the North, thus out-doing in absurdity the " carrying of coals 
to Newcastle." 

But witli one or two such exceptions, it is apparent from the 
inspection of the list, that the ordinary expenses of living are 
not larger than the average in even the older of the States. 

And even the a2)])arent expenses of sustaining a family are 
largely diminished in the case of those who live out of the vil- 
lages upon farms, by the facility with which a coav or two, and 
a few pigs, and a large stock of ]ioultry may be kept. 

For a man of fjimily with small means, there is no cheaper 
country than Florida. 

NATURAL RESOURCES FOR FERTILIZERS. 

As has already been remarked, the soil of most of the State 
is light and sandy upon the surface, although much of it is un- 
derlaid by clay or marl, and at no great depth. Hence, to the 
intelligent immigrant the natural convenient resources of the 
State for manures, will be of interest. 

The first and most widely distributed means, for restoring 
and invigorating the fertility of the soil, whenever exhausted, 
is furnished by the swamps and lagoons and cypress sinks that 
may be found in all sections. In many of the SAvamps and 
lagoons are to be found large and accessible de])Osits of what is 
called muck, which at the will and leisure of the farmer may 
be drawn out and applied directly to tlie land, or may be com- 
posted with lime, ashes, salt or inanures, and thus imi)roved, 
becomes available to almost any desirable extent. In many of 



C4 

the sinks or dopressious wliore the cypress is found are simihir 
dej^osits of vegetable nioidd or muck, and these sinks are scat- 
tered, of various sizes, throufjhout the State. 

Along tlie rivers, and tlic banks of many of tlie hikes, also, 
are to be found very large and numerous deposits of muck or 
mud. ExjK'rience in Florida has j)roved that the muck used as 
a fertilizer, under proper management, becomes an exceeding 
valuable article, and it is to be found in immense quantities in 
eveiy section. 

There is reason also to believe that the clay itself which lies 
midcrueath aiul close to the surface of a very large proportion 
of the sandy regions of the State, is of itself one of the best 
fertilizers when apjilied to and mixed directly Avith the sandy 
surface soil. Xo sufficient and reliable experhnents in this di- 
rection have been announced, but it is reasonable that such an 
admixture of soils of different characters will be as beneticial 
here as at the Xorth, where it has been eminently successful. 

The immense de])osits of oyster shells that are characteristic 
of the whole coast line, located in the immediate vicinity of 
dense forests giving ample stores of fuel, form another of the 
sources of agricultural strength of incalculable value, that will 
be more and more ai>))reciated. 

Inland, u])on the banks of the rivers and lakes, and some- 
times (piite inland, are to be seen frequent accumulations of 
shells — periwinkle and couch — in great bulk, and also of great 
value, being already through the operation of the elements, per- 
fectly adapted to immediate and })rotitable use. These "sliell 
mounds" are often of great bulk, forming very respectable hills, 
whose origin has excited much inquiry and s])eculation. Some 
of the shell mounds on the banks of the upper St. Johns are 20 
and 30 feet in depth, and near the mouth are oyster-shell mounds 
that are higher still and cover acres of land. 

Marl, likewise, of varied character and value, is easily acces- 
sible in different parts of the State. There are several large 
deposits within 25 miles of Jacksonville, and a recent discovery 
has revealed tlie existence of a very large deposit of green marl, 
in the County af Leon. Without doubt an abundance of this 
valuable material will be discovered, whenever a scientific in- 
vestigation in this direction shall be made. 

Thus, it is evident, that Avith abundant and accessible su]>- 
l)lies of clay, lime, marl and muck, under any reasonably skill- 
ful agricultural management, an improvement rather than a de- 
terioration of the capacity of the soil may be expected. 



INSECTS ANT) UEPTILES. 

It is not true that Florida is infested to an unusual degree by 
reptiles or insects. It is true that in localities particularly 
adapted to the support of insect and reptile life, there are a 



65 

good number of 8:iucl-liies and Mosquitoes, and that in certain 
scattered localities there are to be found tlie Ilattle-snake and 
the Moccasin, and a variety of liarmless snakes. It is also true 
that in the lagoons and rivers there are nniltitudes of Alliga- 
tors. 

But, on the other hand, it is well known in Florida that there 
are not nearly as many Kattle-snakcs as there are in some parts 
of XeAV England even, though the snakes of Florida are larger 
in size. The writer has passed over a large portion of Florida 
within the year, and has travelled many score of miles on foot, 
through the woods in difterent parts of the State, and has yet 
to meet the first Ilattle-snake or Moccasin in a wild state. 
Many old residents say that it is comparatively rare to meet a 
venomous snake. Month after month passes, and no rumor of 
any injury from the Lite of a snake is heard ; and many a north- 
erner is heard to declare that they do not see as many snakes 
here as at the ISTorth. 

Along the rivers and swamps there are Musquitoes in quanti- 
ties, beyond a question, but this is as true of SAvamps through- 
out the coiintry. 

Solon Robinson, in one of his letters, says that he has known 
them as bad North and West, and even worse, in the immedi- 
ate vicinity of New York. They are an nndeniable nuisance, 
but no more so in Florida than in half the United States. 

In many sections, it is true, that Aligators abound, some of 
them attaining very great size — but they, although not attrac- 
tive in appearance, are in fact practically harmless, as few, if 
any instances of their meddling with any human being are heard 
of, even in tradition. 

Fleas are an abounding affliction during some three months in 
the year, but no worse here than in many other places. 

Cockroaches, like the poor, are with us always. 

It is not denied that insects and reptiles abound in Florida ; 
but it is asserted without fear of contradiction, that this asser- 
tion is no more true of Florida than of a large portion of the 
South particularly, and therefore should be no caiise of special 
objection against her. Indeed, the annital burning of the grass 
effectually prevents the rapid increase of reptiles of all kinds. 



APPENDIX. 

Tlic publication of this pamphlet has been delayed several 
■^vecks, in order that reports from every part of the State might 
be inserted, thus giving the fullest and fairest presentation pos- 
sible of each section. But now, the continually increasing call 
for iuformatiou concerning the State, and the demands of the 
printer for "copy'' will make it necessary to proceed to press 
■vvith^such returns as arc on hand and shall be received during 
the progress of the Avork. 

I desire to call attention first, to the article by 1\, W. B. 
Hodgson, of CVdar Keys, which describes the characteristics 
and capacity of the State in general. 

Enthusiastic as this ai-ticle might seem, if produced by the 
compiler of this book, it is both interesting and authentic, as 
the expression of the mature judgment of an old resident, who 
has had unusual opportunities for personal observation and com- 
parison. Thk CoMrii.3-:K. 

General Description of Florida, by R.W. B. Hodgson, of Cedar 

Keys. 

Ckbar Kevs, Florida,- 

Dec. Gth, 1868. 
J. S. Adams, l\sq.: 

Dear Sir: — In response to your request that I would give you 
my views of some of the advantages of Florida and her re- 
sources, I take pleasure in doing anything Avhich may tend to 
open up and develo]>c the hidden wealtli of our truly favored 
"Land of Flowers." 

To do justice to sucli au undertaking, I fear, is lar beyond the 
power of my jwor pen — tlie topics are so numerous — the field 
BO extensive, that a volume might be filled, and yet the truth 
but half told. 1 will try and keep myself in due bounds, and 
say nothing which cannot be corroberated by facts — nothing 
which intelligent Floridians do not know as such — and yet, 
even then, no doubt, many will look u])on the facts as a fancy 
sketch and a picture of the mind, overdra"\\ni and not to be 
realized. The unsurpassed advantages of our Climate, Soil, 
Timber, Fisheries, Fruits, Vines and Vegetables are so little 
known, that it requires almost if not quite a credulous mind to 
believe the truth. However, I will make the attempt, and en- 
deavor to give my ideas on these subjects, gained not in a day, 
but by a residence of now near thirty years in the various sec- 
tions of West, Middle and East Florida, during which time my 
business pursuits have led me into almost every nook and cor- 
ner of the State, and into direct communication with every class 



of our people — from the wealthy "planter'' to the poorest 
"cracker" — from 'all classes have I draAvn what little I know, 
and from actual observation do I speak. 

First, as to Climate. From one extreme of our State" to an- 
other, we arc blessed with a mild, healthy and delightfully warm 
climate. Floridians have become so used to it, that they do not 
appreciate the great and real blessing which they hourly enjoy. 
The climate of tlie coasts of the peninsular portion, especially, 
is remarkable for its healthful and soft balmy nature. There 
are no more healthy towns and cities in any country than the 
sea-coast towns of Florida, one and all, on the Gulf and Atlan- 
tic, especially the former. 

In the interior and western portions of the State there is more 
frost than on the Gulf coast, yet, even there, three successive 
frosts are seldom know^n, they seldom making ice ; if so, rarely, 
if ever, over a i to ^- inch thick. Last winter, we had but two, 
(they barely perceptible to early risers,) at this place. We had 
Tomatoes blooming and ripening until the latter part of Janua- 
ry, and began planting early in February. This winter, we 
have had unusual cold and three slight frosts, just enough to 
kill Potatoe vines. The Tomatos are now, (December 6th,) 
blooming and bearing in my garden, and I sit writing with no 
desire for a fire. 

The pine woods, (and by far the greater portion of Florida 
is of that description,) are generally healthy, and nature has so 
arranged that throughout the State, scarcely is there a jilace, 
but that our people may build and live in healthful positions, 
and be convenient to the rich hammock and swamp lands. 
Years ago, when the rich hammock lands of Middle Florida 
were being cleared and "deadened," not in spots, but for miles 
and miles in all directions by thousands of slaves, then, as a 
natural conseqiience, the hnmcnse masses of decaying vegetable 
matter, produced much serious sickness, and many deaths oc- 
curi'ed, especially was this so m and around Tallahassee, from 
1837 to 1841, and so late as 1843, and it was the sickness which 
occui-red in the early settlement of the country, in the rich 
lands, which was a natural and invariable consequence in any 
country, from vrhich the idea took rise, that "Florida was a sick- 
ly country," Yet, do not understand me as trying to promul- 
gate the idea that we have no sickness now-a-days. There is, 
and there must be more or less in every country. In some sec- 
tions, and on the rivers, and on the rich uncleared hammocks, 
"chill and fever" will occur — some years more, some years not 
at all — yet, they are almost invariably of such a type and char- 
acter, that they always quickly and easily give way to medical 
treatment. On the subject of disease, I venture the assertion, 
that in no country on earth is there so little mortality, where 
the people have so few of the comforts and even the necessities 
of life. The great wonder is that many of them live at all. 



\ 



68 

Think of it, that there are thousands of people who have grown 
np and arrived at mature old age, raising large f:imilics around 
them, who have always lived in log huts incapable of keeping 
out a driving rain — the wind never — who cook in the open air, 
(such cookiiig as it is) — who sleep before tlie fire, on hard boards 
for a bed — without comfortable clothing. I say in any other 
country, they would die by scores and hundreds, yet with all 
these disadvantages, the statistics show less mortality in Florida 
than in almost any State of the Union. In St. Augustine and 
Pcnsacola, (the only cities in Florida, that have been settled 
long enough for people to attain to a "good old age,") the old 
people frequently reach to eighty, ninety, and in some instances, 
over one himdred years of age. Does any State in the Union 
do more ? Yet, you will hear people say, "Florida is a sickly 
State." 

Had our people the comforts, the advantages which the same 
••lasses have in New England and the North — did they know 
how to live and hoAV to enjoy life as these people do, I honestly 
believe that Florida would be as healthy, if not more so, than 
any other State. I think it may be safely said, that where one 
thousand premature deaths from Consumption, Sunstroke, Ap- 
oplexy and kindred diseases occur North, not one-fourth so 
many (according to the same number of inhabitants) occur in 
Florida, from any and all diseases put together, and though 
so much further South sun-stroke is unknown among us. 
While the people of the North are huddling around their fires, 
in close houses, using every expense and precaution to keep out 
the cold, our people are pursuing their usual vocations, out of 
doors, in shirt sleeves — thoughtless of the blessing which would 
be valued as inestimable by the millions of a northern latitude, 
and visa versa, while the people in these same northern lati- 
tudes, in midsummer, arc sweating and tossing to and fro upon 
sleepless beds, suffocating with the sultry heat — dropping by 
hundreds in the streets from sun-stroke — seeking watering places 
for refuge and for health and pleasure, we in Florida never 
know a sultry night. We can sleep soundly and comfortably, 
most likely requiring a blanket before day — and can pursue 
any vocation the day long in the hot sun, yet never know of a 
sunstroke. A sultry night, a death from sun-stroke or a mad dog 
are three things unknown in Florida. 

Next, the soil, like almost, if not all, other countries, Florida 
has many different kmds and qualities of soil. We have the 
rich river swamp, various grades of hammock, some very jn-o- 
ductive and lasting, some very poor; immense (piantities of Pine 
land, some very fertile and "lasting — much easily made so by 
fertilizing, and very little throughout the State unlit for <'ulti- 
vation. 

For the cultivation of Upland Cotton and Corn, probably 
Middle and Western Florida are best adapted. For fine Sea 



69 

island, Sugar Cane and Rico, East Florida is undoubtedly the 
qest. From the Ocilla River, southwest, bordering on the 
Gulf", there are large bodies of liaramock and swamp lands, to 
say nothing of thepine lands, peculiarly adapted to the culture 
of Sea Island Cotton and Sugar Cane, and the mild breezes 
from the Gulf so soften the climate that they are also well suited 
for the successful culture of the semi-tropical fruits — Oranges, 
Lemons, Limes, Guavas, Bananas, and it is believed the Cocoa 
I^nt will grow and produce abundantly. The soil is very rich 
and moist. From 1,500 to 2,000 lbs. sugar per acre, and not 
unfrequently 3,000 lbs. is produced from an acre of natural land. 
The proximity of all these lands to easy water carriage along 
the coast, to the terminus of the Railroads, either at St. Marks 
or Cedar Keys, make them invaluable, either to produce the 
heavy article of sugar or the early vegetables for a northern 
market, or for the production of Oranges, Bananas, Lemons, 
Limes and Guavas, of which were the whole of Florida is one vast 
orchard, yet would the wants and appetites of the people north 
of Florida require them all and more than all, at remunerative 
prices. 

Of any land in Florida it may tnithfully be said, that were 
one-half or one-quarter the expense in fertilizers put upon them 
that is yearly put in the lands North and in New England, they 
would surpass any thing ever known in the agi-icultural line. 
Our farmers, as a rule, almost invariably culttvate the natural 
land without manure. 

I know of land now for entry at $1.25 (lately 50c.) to J-?5.00 
per acre, which cannot be surpassed, and which will last, being- 
based on marl, forever. Such lands in New England would bo 
worth immense sums, and Avith the same industxy, the same in- 
telligence, the same economy, tlie same fertilizers, the same 
capital they use there, they would be worth double, and can be 
made to yield double in value what they would there. 

This country needs the industry and economy of the North- 
ern men to develope its true worth, and show' how much can 
be produced from a "small spot," and not how little from a lit- 
tle kingdom, and our people are anxious to see them come — 
will and do welcome them in our midst. We know the Yan- 
kees have grown rich and powerful oxit of the rocky hills and 
barren lands of New England, and we know if here, they would 
i-oon enrich this much more highly favored country. We say 
come — come one, come many. All are welcome. 

As to Timber, little need be said. Florida is as it Avere, on^^ 
vast forest. The Yellow and Pitch Pine of Florida is so well 
known and so well appreciated by all Avho desire good lumber, 
that it is useless to say a word. This much I can say, the day 
is coming Avhen Florida Avill be a great exporter of Timber, 
second to no State. Tlie business is yet in its,infancy, the finest 
opportunities and most eligible sites for Lumbering, yet remain 



unnoticed and untouched. Capital is all that is now needed 
to start the good M'ork on a proper and sure business foundation. 
Knowing, as I do, every stream and every creek, withits ad- 
vantages and disadvantages, I speak tlie earnest convictions of 
nay mind on this subject. Besides milling, in Pine, we have 
many descriptions of other valuable wood which can be made 
remunerative by being worked u]), for instance, Red Bay, 
(Florida Mahogany,) Cherry, Magnolia, China, into all kinds of 
furniture ; Cypress, White Cedar, Red Cedar, Oak, into Furni- 
ture, Sash, Blinds, Wooden Ware, Szc. Live Oak, in immense 
• piantities, the tinest in the Avorld; Oak, Ash, Oum, Elm, &c., 
into wagons, &c. 

The whole coast of Florida, with every creek and river in it, 
is one vast lishery. No country on Earth has more fish — more 
or bett<?r varieties, or more easily had. The Avhole coast is 
lined with fine oysters, and innumerable schools of Sea Turtle 
ft'equent the coast in season. To fishermen who understaml 
how to cure fish properly, no finer opportunity is presented tlian 
on our coast for a thriving business. 

The woods abound in game. East Florida especially. The 
whole Gulf coast, from St. 3Iarksto the AVithlacoochee, and all 
the way south, is literally alive AvitliDeer, Turkey, and as many 
Bear, ttc, as the fiirmer desires for the good of his stock. I 
have never in my life known so much of all kinds as are now to 
be found in the vicinity of Cedar Keys. It is incredible to tell 
facts. 

As for fruits and grajics, v^e know and see they grow, bear, 
and do well. It is known that money can be made from them. 
But if they produce half of what is clainied for them, the 
country will soon overflow in wealth. ( )ne hundred orange 
trees will stand on one acre ; begin to yield at six or seven years 
from the seed, bearing fi-om 300 to 5,000 — some old trees more, 
worth from 1^ to 2 cents each, often 3 cents. Bananas, 900 
hills per acre. Eacli hill can and will yield two good bunches 
every year, Avorth 50 cents each in gold in Havana, and pro- 
]iortionately more here. They ^y^\\ require sonie care and ex- 
pense to protect them from frost, thus make them a sure thing. 

Who would do better, let him try (niavas, and from one acre 
.*2,500 worth of the best Guava Jelly will be produced, making 
his own sugar and molesses on the next acre to do it with. 
To the vine grower, the wluile South is well adapted to the 
making of the best of wine, and many varieties of grapes do 
well. But Avere all others to fail and die out, leaving the Scup- 
pernong only, with it alone we can soon i^roduce nun-e pure, 
ehoice wine than America can eonsume. Wherever tried, and 
\vliere\er planted, in rieh or poor, high or low lands, this great 
bearer does well, and never fails to yield. If there is any one 
erop that is sure and certain beyond all others, it is that of the 
Scuppernong ; aiul by various processes, several Aarietics of 



11 

wine may be made, from the sparkling, exliiliarating, the sweet, 
and by using the skims in manufacturing the best of "Port." 
The size to which these vines will grow is not yet known, as the 
oldest and largest in the State, though covering ground enough 
to hold a camp meeting beneath its shade, and yielding Avagon 
loads of fruit, yet they continue to spread and yield. Strange, 
yet true as strange, the culture of the grape, to my knowledge, 
lias never been made a speciality by any one in Florida. Why 
so, I cannot say, unless it be that his majesty, "King Cotton," 
like all other tyranical autocrats, held his subjects under such 
complet subjection, that to worship before any other shrine was 
a capital oflence, and therefore, implicitly obeyed by his short- 
sighted subjects. But now, that "King Cotton" is no longer 
King, we begin to hear of vineyards, of orange and lemon 
groves, of vegetables and all the other good things which can 
be so easily had in our favored land, and soon it will be heard 
from every lip, that a change has come over our country. How 
much more prosperous, how much more happy, how much more 
enlightened are Ave now than when we groaned and toiled from 
years end to years end under the iron-tyranical rule of "King 
Cotton." So long as Cotton ruled, so long the country remain- 
(h\ poor. XoAV, we hope for better times. 

I learn that you will interest yourself iu the good work of 
Inducino- immiuTation from vour late Xew Ensxland home. On 
this point, permit me to say a Avord before closing. Had I the 
control of immigration, and could I dispose and direct ^immi- 
grants as I think Avill be found most to their benefit, prosperity 
and happiness in every particular, then I Avould say to them, 
associate yourselves into communities of five, ten or one hun- 
dred families ; select your best, most exjierienced and practical 
men ; let each family state the means in hand and the desires it 
wishes to attain, the pursuit desired, the number of acres of 
land, &e., Avanted; let the few come out, and after careful ex- 
amination of the country, its advantages and disadvantages, 
(and CA'ery place has both,) let them buy enough in one body 
or community for all, and if need be prepare for all, and then 
let all come togetlier and live together, in one A'illage, and if 
desirable, they can bring their own minister, their OAvn teacher, 
their OAvn shoe makers, their oato everything, and when they 
reach their ucav home, each one . Avill liave his oavu home, and 
then on some bright Florida December morning they shall 
awake, and on going out find no snow, no ice, no frost, but 
everything green and groAvang, eA'erythiiig Avarm and comforta- 
ble ; they look around them and see the same dear faces, they 
go to church and hear the same minister ; the boys and girls go 
to school and get licked by the same old Dominie — the same 
friends, manners and customs to which they have been so long 
accustomed, greet them on every side. They can scarcely real- 
ize the fact, and say to themselves, is it a dream ? They find it 



72 . 

no dream, hut the reality, ami they arc happy and contented, 
and they ■write hack to their friends, come, come, Florida is all 
that is claimed for it ; "svc are happy, come. Thousands follow, 
and the State is soon full of intelligent, industrious, -wealthy, 
prosperous and happy communities. This can he done, easily 
done ; not in a day, yet in an incredible short space of time, and 
it should he done, it must he done. 

Now, let us look at the other side of the i)icture. Tiie same 
community of New Englanders desire to come to Florida. Each 
man starts. Each man's expenses to "locate'' is as much as it 
should cost a whole community. When they get here, cacli 
man hears of some place that will suit, and each man starts off 
in a different direction. lie finds a ]dace. Without knowing 
what he is buying, whether it is rich or ])Oor, whether it will 
suit cotton, corn, or potatoes, he buys. lie is in the country. 
His nearest neighbor is, perhaps, one mile off; jterhaps, not five 
in five miles. The Post Office is ten or fifteen or twenty miles 
distant. No church, no school, no blacksmith shop Avithin ten 
or fifteen miles. The result is, he has no associates, liis family 
have none. The change is so siidden, the shock so terrible, that 
they sec none of the beauties, but all the disadvantages of the 
country. They mourn for the "old home," and say, "let me go 
back there." They are wretched; they write back to their 
friends, "for Heaven's sake, do not come to Florida," and Flori- 
da, with all its latent advantages and beauties, remain for years 
to come, an unsettled and unknown wild. 

To you, sir, who have traversed much of the more settled 
portions of our State, tliest^ remarks must be obvious. Yon live 
in one of our most fiourisliiug towns or cities; to you 1 ]nit the 
question — would your family be content or happy, settled off in 
the interior? Would you dare t<^ think of bringing them alive 
on some of your best, richest and nutst valuable plantations. 
Methinks I hear you say — no, indeed. Yet, Avhat S2)lendid and 
thriving communities and hajipy villages might luit easily be 
reared \\^ in every neighborhood, on these same rich "})lanta- 
tions." A systematic, intelligent, thinking head, with a will in 
it, i? all that is necessary, and the thing is done, and soon a 
stream of immigrants will llow into Florida, which will soon 
fill her up, and when full, the tide in its reflux will soon oA'cr- 
flow Georgia and Alabama, and thus the whole South will soon 
become, what avc have always claimed for it, and Avhich in reali- 
ty it truly is — a country ]>ossessing more natiu'al advantages of 
climate, soil, vegetable and mineral Avealth than any other. 

Many come to Florida Aviththe idea that they come to an old 
settled country, full of Avealth, and overfloAving Avith all the 
luxuries, fruits, vegetables and good things. Let them at once 
ilispel such erroneous notions. The Avealtli of Florida is yet in 
a Avild and latent state. Oranges or Bananas are not to be had 
from ever\- bush or tree; thcA' are vet scarce; thcA' must be 



grown to be plenty and clieap. Let them come with the idea 
and certainty that work, hard work, to reclaim the hidden 
wealth, is before them, but assure them that the same hard work 
to which they have been accustomed and raised in the North, 
will return them two, three, five, and ten fold the result that it 
did there. When they cultivate an acre by heavy and costly 
manuring in New England, they can cultivate with the same 
labor two or three acres here, which for years to come, will pro- 
bably require no (though it would be benefited by) manuring. 

That where it required a hard summers work to'build houses 
and grow forage for their stock through their long cold winter, 
here no shelter is necessary and comparatively no forage. Let 
them come with the idea that they must bring their same energy, 
industry and economy with them if they would be happy and 
content. Such, sir, would be my advice to one, to all. 

Lastly, when they shall arrive, I would say to them, do not 
locate in two great a hurry. Look well into difl:erent sections 
and counties. A feAV weeks thus spent may safe years of dis- 
content and thousands of dollars. Every county has some ad- 
vantages not common to all. In some you find lands easy of 
access to market, of course great adhantage, but by looking 
further, perhaps, you may find lands equally accessible and per- 
haps doubly as rich at half or one-fourth the cost, only so, be- 
cause the tide has not turned into that channel. The !St. Johns 
is a noble stream and Avill soon drain a wealthy county, if not 
already so, yet the Gulf coast has much finer land and climate, 
and at one-quarter the price, and as soon as the Florida Rail- 
road awakens up to its own interest, the lands of the Gulf coast 
will be of easy, cheap and speedy access to northern markets as 
any, with the great advantage of nearer and cheaper access to 
all the great southwestern cities, Mobile, New Orleans, etc. 

ILad I time, I could point out and describe desirable planta- 
tions in every part of the State, of from one hundred to five 
htmdred acres, which Avould suit whole communities to settle 
and build villages on, and which, should opportunity ofter, T 
would cheerfully do. 

No one feels a deeper interest in this great work, no one de- 
sires to see Florida grow in wealth and strength more than I, 
and any assistance I can render will be rendered to my utmost 
ability. 

Trusting these hints and suggestions, hastily thrown together, 
may be useful in the good work, I remain very respectfully, 
yours, &c,, 11. W. H. ITouosox. 



AVelujoiin, Suwannee Co., East Fla,, 
January 14, 18G9. 
Mr. J. S. Ad<i»is, JaeJcsoiWille, Fla.; 

Dear Sir: — Your comnmnication of the 16th instant was 



handed me yesterday, iuforming me that yoii were commissioned 
by the State to prepare a pamphlet, or book, setting forth the 
numerous rich natural resources and manifold inducements 
which the State of Florida offers to emmigrants who wish a home 
in the "Sunny South." I assure you I feel a deep interest in 
the important enterprise in which you have engaged, and shall 
look with much solicitude for the publication of your book, and 
hope it may prove a success when presented to the public, and 
if anything I may say shall aid you in the least, in the accom- 
plishment of a work in which we are all deeply interested, it 
will afford me much pleasure. My home in Florida is of too 
recent date (being a native of Virginia, and having come South 
a refugee from my home in Tennessee during the latter part of 
the war) to give you as many facts and figures setting forth the 
resources of the State as I could wish. 

Suwannee County occupies geographically nearly a central 
position in the State, nearly surrounded by the Suwannee River, 
being bounded l)y it on the north, Avest and south nearly. The 
village of Wellborn is situated on tlie line of the Pensacola and 
Georgia Railroad, and is by actual survey, two hundred feet 
above the sea, the higlicst point on the Railroad between Talla- 
liassee and Jacksonville. From tlie altitude of Suwannee coun- 
ty, and its being a part of the peninsula, between the Gulf of 
Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, we consider it, for health, the 
most desirable part of the State. Eiglit miles north from Well- 
born, on the Suwannee River, is situated the celebrated "White 
Sulphur Spring,'' which is remarkable for its many romantic 
surroundings, tlie great beauty of the Spring naturally, (as the 
artificial improvements are only temporary,) and the vast 
amount of mineral water it aftbrds, of known valual)le inedical 
properties. It is the decided opinion of tlie writer, who has 
visited most of the celebrated mineral springs of the United 
States, that it is not surpassed for beauty and value l>y any in 
America. Lower down the river, fifteen miles from Wellborn, 
near the line of the branch railroad connecting at Live Oak the 
P. and G. with the A. and G. R. R., is another important and 
very valuable mineral spring, known as the "Lower Spring." 

This })eninsula, geologically, is in the tertiary formation, rest- 
ing on Avhat is called the bottom lime stone. Li many places in 
the undulating sm-lace of Suwannee county, lime stone crops 
out, from Avhich quantities of good lime have been burned. 

This i>art of Florida is comparatively a new country. Dur- 
ing the war with tlie Seminole Indians, the pioneer settlers, "like 
angels' visits, Avere few and far between." Agricultural imple- 
ments Avere, as in most ncAv countries, of the rudest kind, and 
farming operations Avere [lerformed in a careless manner, yet, 
such is the natm-al fertility of the soil and its adaptation, in this 
genial clime, to the growth of Cotton, (principally long staple,) 
Sugar Cane, Indian Corn, Oats, Rye, Sweet Potatoes^ Ground 



Peas or Pea-Nuts, (the crops mostly cultivated heretofore in 
this part of the State,) that the planters were successful and 
accumulated fortunes without the use of any fertilizers what- 
ever, under the former system of labor. Considering the above 
what would be the result of careful, improved, scientific cultiva- 
tion ? 

From recent experiments at market gardening, wo are satis- 
tied that vegetables of almost every kind can be successfully 
grown here, and so early as to be put on the Northern market 
long before they can be produced there. Cucumbers and To- 
matoes can, with care, be made ready to ship by the &st of 
May. Melons are produced here to great perfection, and with 
proper care, can be ready for shipment by the first of June. 

Fruit culture in this part of the State has been heretofore 
greatly neglected. Peaches grow vrell and of a size and flavor 
that cannot be surpassed anywhere. The trees are healthy and 
the crop annually almost certain. Quinces are of good size and 
flavor. The ditierent varieties of the Fig, (Ficus carico,) groAV 
here to great perfection, and is, as we think, a wholesome fruit, 
quite a luxury both in a green and a dried state, and its multi- 
plication in Florida cannot fail to be fraught with great advan- 
tage. It will grov.' well iipon the poorer and drier soils provid- 
ed it is sheltered, and can be propagated with great ease, grow- 
ing well from cuttings. And such is the goodness and abun- 
dance of its fruits and the number of its varieties, that it may 
be grown here, as in parts of Southern Europe, in so great an 
abundance, that it may become the "providence of the poor." 

Semi-tropical fruits can, with care, be grown here. There are 
orange trees in this neighborhood which have been bearing good 
friiit for some years past ; also the shaddock, of iine, large size. 
We are more exposed to frost than on the St. Johns or on the 
southern coast districts, and sometimes the young trees are 
killed by the frost. Old trees and ripe, or well matured wood 
of the orange tree successfully resist the effects of frost. 

Grapes. Florida is certainly the home of the Scuppernong 
grape vine. It grows and produces with certainty, annually, 
iine crops of fruit of the best qualitj^, and both vine and fruit 
has, so far, been entirely free from any disease whatever or 
depredations from insects. We think the Scuppernong should 
be extensively planted for a certain and reliable crop. Last 
winter, the writer planted at Wellborn nearly one thousand 
grape vines, about half were rooted vines, of one year's growth, 
and the balance cuttings. The varieties, "Catawba and Isa- 
bella." Half were planted on hammock soil, and the other half 
on pine land, top soil from a rich hammock was hauled and 
tilled in with those planted on pine land. The vines greiv nearly 
one hundred per cent more than they do in one season in the 
Western States. 

So far as we are advised, the cultivation of the Catawba and 



76 

other varieties of grapes for wiuc in the States, has not as yet 
heen fairly tested. It is the opinion of the writer, that the cele- 
brated "Mission Grape," Avhicli has been so successfully culti- 
vated for wine in California, should be procured and extensively 
planted in Florida, from the fact that in many places the Ca- 
tawba, (our best wine grape,) for the last few years has been 
much injured by mildew. There arc live varieties of grapes, 
which, by experiment carefully made by B. N. Bugbey, of Na- 
toma Vineyard, El Dorado County, California, have been selec- 
ted from many other varieties as the very best for future cidti- 
vatioti, valuing them in the order named, the first being the 
best, viz: Black Zinfindel, Red Traminer, White Malaga, Ver- 
delho and Los Angeles. By planting those varieties of the 
vine best adaj^ted to the climate and soil of Florida, we have 
no doiibt but grape growing will prove very profitable. In the 
rich hammocks the wild grajie A'ines grow to great size, reach- 
ing to the tops of the tallest trees. 

In the greater portion of this county good water is obtained 
ill wells of reasonable depth, and on the borders of hammocks 
are some very good springs of pure, clear water ; and strange 
as it may be thought, by parties from mountain districts, there 
is in this vicinity good and permanent water power. Beautiful 
and clear streams, running from lake to lake, furnishing fall suffi- 
cient for good mills. 

The lands of this county are rich in their supj)lics of timber, 
the pine forest furnisliing almost inexhaustible stores of pine for 
lumber of the best quality ; the moist, extensive, rich dry ham- 
inock lands furnishing large fine White Oak, Water Oak, Sweet 
Gum, Magnolia, Hickory, Red Bay, or American jMahogany, 
Bass Wood and many other kinds of timber of value. The 
low, rich, hammock lands, which is susceptible of draining, and 
thus bting reclaimed, contains a vast amoi;nt of valuable tim- 
ber, such as White Bay, <fcc.' INIost of such lands belong to the 
State, and for sale at at one dollar and tAventy-five cents ])er 
acre, which, if reclaimed, would be of inestimable value. 

A few days since we obtained a map from the Register of th« 
U. S. Land Office, for Florida, with each and every forty acre 
lot of land carefully marked in this township, (Xo. '.i South, R. 
No. 15 East,) in which there are sixty-nine lots of State land for 
sale at one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre, and fifty-nine 
lots vacant U. S. land subject to entry under the homestead act. 
Tlie remaining four hundred and forty-eight lots belong to 
actual settlers, except the school sections and that part belong- 
ing to the Pensacola and Georgia l^ailroad Comj^any. We give 
the above statement of the condition of one township merely 
for illustration, that jiarties interested may see the facilities of 
obtaining lands in Florida, and we think the price of improved 
lands woidd range from one dollar and fif\y cents to ten dollars 
per acre. 



77 

Price of lumber is from ten to fifteen dollars per thousand, at 
the mills. I cannot say that we have any well established price 
of labor. The freedmen, to a great extent, are indolent and not 
reliable. There is an increasing disposition among the citizens, 
I mean white people of course, to do what work they can per- 
form themselves, and employ white labor as far as j>ossible. 

I cannot advise you with regard to cost of clearing, as there 
is but little being done. More lands are cleared now than can 
be cultivated with all the available labor at the command of 
those who own the lands. Fences are rotting down ; inside 
fences being moved out to repair outside fences, &c. Land of 
the best quality, for the want of capital to purchase implements, 
stock, provisions, labor, &c., are lying uncultivated, gro-svang 
briers, weeds, &c. With regard to the cost of building I may 
say, such cottages as are comfortable in this mild, warm cli- 
mate, cost but a trifle compared to the cost of building in the 
Northern States. 

The disposition and bearing of the citizens of this communi- 
ty towards worthy strangers, is, and ever has been kind and 
hospitable. With my best wishes, 

I am your obt. svt., 

J. Gr^\^nt. 



MiDDLEHURG, Fla., Nov. 23, 1868. 
Your letter of the 16th instant has been received, and I has- 
ten to give you a description of Clay county and its products. 
It is about twenty-eight miles from north to south, and twenty- 
two miles from east to west. The surface is generally level ; 
the highest part is on the west side, near Kingsbey's Lake. 
The county is well watered ; good water is easily procured by 
digging. There are ten or more good mill seats on the differ- 
ent streams in the county. It is healthy with the exception of 
two or three locations, and they are confined to a small tract 
each. The Court House is at Webster, which is nearly in the 
centre of of the county. There is a good school-house within a 
quarter of a mile of the Court House, and a good Church within 
about a mile and a half of the same. There are four or five 
merchants selling goods in the county. There is one steam 
mill in operation. There are about four hundred voters in the 
county. About three-eights of the land is third rate pine, 
three-eights second rate, and two-eights first rate pine, includ- 
ing small pieces of second and third rate hammock, with a 
small portion of first rate hammock. Hard wood growth cliar- 
acterizes the hammock land. Several kinds of Oak, Hickory, 
Dog Wood, F>ass Wood, Ma])le, Ash, jNfulberry, Iron Wood, 
Poplar, Blue !>each, Black and White Gum, Ped and Wliite 
Bay, Magnolia, and Elm abound. The lakes, ponds and streanr-i 



are pretty well stocked with fisli and the woods, with game. 
The climate is mild and generally pleasant. Lands sell at from 
iifty cents to twenty dollars per acre ; very little selling at the 
latter price. 

Homesteads can still be entered at prices stipulated in the 
Homestead Act. Yellow Pine lumber is worth from eighteen 
to twenty dollars per thousand. Wages for labor, ten to twelve 
dollars per month on the plantations ; for lumbering, eighteen 
to twenty-five dollars ; driving teams twenty-five and thirty dol- 
lars andboard found. 

Access to market. Head of navigation for steamboats on 
Black Creek is near the centre of the county ; St. Johns River 
on the east side, and on the west side the Kailroad from Fer- 
nandina to Cedar Keys. Roads through the county are gener- 
ally in good order. The lumber is mostly cut otf within two 
miles of rafting water. Cost of clearing land Aaries from five 
to twelve dollars per acre. Cost of building a comfortable log 
house, from seventy-five to one' hundred and fifty dollars. 
Framed houses from five hundred to two thousand dollars and 
upwards. If lands are manned and well cultivated, they will 
produce, with an average season, twelve to twenty bushels of 
com per acre ; of long staple cotton, one hundred and fifty to 
three hundred lbs. of ginned cotton, and four to six hundred 
lbs. of short staple to the acre. Sweet Potatoes, one hundred 
and fifty to two hundred and fifty bushels to the acre. Four 
to six barrels of sugar to the acre. Very little Tobacco is 
raised in this county, but where it is planted, the growth and 
quality compares well with other crops in other parts of the 
State. Grapes are very little cultivated in this county; where 
they are, they appear to compare well with other sections o^ 
the State. Garden vegetables, with few exceptions, grow well 
here in winter. Vines of all kinds do well here early in the 
spring and the fore part of summer. Rice produces well on 
the low grounds from twenty to thirty bushels to the acre. 
Peach orchards on the clay grounds do well ; the quality and 
quantity compares well with any part of the State. Sweet, 
Sour and Bitter Sweet Oranges grow well where they have been 
cultivated. Plums of various kinds produce well in this couji- 
ty. Turpentine plantations will do well near the navigable 
streams where transportation is cheap. Tlie county is healthy 
for stock of all kinds. Poultry of all sorts do well. Black 
Berries, Whortleberries, i\Iulberries are found in abimdance in 
the woods and fields. Arrow-root, Casavee and Tanyas pro- 
duce well in this county. Irish Potatoes grow well, on our 
lianmiock lands, and average one hundred and fifty bushels to 
the acre. The people of Clay county, with few exceptions, arc 
friendly to new comers. 

I am, very respectfully, yours, 

O. BCDDINGTON. 



V9 

REPORT OF THE GADSDEN COUNTY AGRICULTU- 
RAL ASSOCIATION TO THE STATE ASSOCIATION 
OF FLORIDA. 

Gadsden county was laid ofi" and organized soon after Florida 
passed under the jurisdiction of the United States, and took its 
name from Christopher Gadsden, a distiugiiished citizen of 
South Carolina, of Revolutionary fame. In territorial limits it 
extended from the Georgia line on the North to tlK' Gulf of 
Mexico on the South, and from the Ocklockonee river on the 
East to the Apalachicola river on the West, embracing a terri- 
tory about sixty miles in length and forty in breadth. 

The quarter section of land upon which the town of Quincy 
was originally located, was donated to the county h\ the Gov- 
ernment of the LTnited States for a "County Site," th' selection 
being made by Commissioners appointed for that pu 
of whom were the Rev. David L. White and the IIoi 
Robinson, both now deceased. The name given to i 
site was in compliment to Josiah Quincy, a disting 
zen of the State of Massachusetts, and thus happih 
ting the fraternal love which existed in "the tims 
men's souls." between two of the original States, w' 
urated and established the American Union, 

The corporate limits of the town of Quincy ha^ been ex- 
tended to meet the requirements of an increase of pidation, 
but by recent legislation, the territorial limits of ' county 
have been greatly curtailed, but not to such an ext( is to de- 
prive her of the character of ranking amongst the .a-ge and 
populous counties of the State. By an addition to ; county 
of Franklin, and the organization of the new count} Liberty, 
she has been entirely deprived of her Gulf coast, an e south- 
ern boundary now extends to only about twelve or i en miles 
below the county site. 

This loss of territory, however, is amply compel; d in the 
increased convenience and facility afforded to theci .s in the 
discharge of their public duties. She still retains eastern 

and western boundaries intact. 



pose, two 
Jonathan 
he county 
shed citi- 
perpetua- 
hat tried 
i-h inaug- 



TOPOGKAPHY rACE OP COUIS'TKY WATEK SOIL- lESTS. 

The present territorial limits of Gadsden county races a 
tract of country of an undulating surface in str< ontrast 
with other sections of the Southern States bordt on the 
Atlantic and Gulf coasts, and is said in many loca to re- 
semble very much the Northern portions of A iia. It 
abounds in innumerable springs of the purest free water, 
and is intersected by a very large number of cI anning 
streams, which afford ample facilities for the era <t' grist 
and saw mills, and other manufactoring machim In this 



80 

respect, Gadsden county Avill compare favorably with any sec- 
tion of the'iUnited States, North or South. 

The soil is, for the most part, based npon a strong red clay, 
wliich gives it great advantage in the retention of such manures 
and fertilizers as may be applied. The oak and hickory and 
cultivable pine lands invariably have a substratum of clay lying 
from one to two feet under the surface. The hammock lands 
are of a much lighter character ; the substratum of clay being- 
more remote from the surface, and, though by far the most pro- 
<luctive when first cleared and brought into cultivation, is not 
esteemed of so lasting a character as the other description of 
lands. In proportion to its area, Gadsndecouyn contains as 
large a ])roportion of cultivable lands as any county in the 
State. 

One great peculiarity in the character of this section of tlie 
country, with the exception of a narrow strip on the Apalachi- 
cola river, is its entire exemption from the presence of the "rot- 
ten-lime stone" which pervades so large a portion of the South- 
western States. This is undoubtedly a loss so fiir as the fertili- 
ty of the soil is involved, but finds ample compensation in the 
superior excellence of the drinking water, and the consequent 
health of the population attendant thereon. 

Until within the last year the presence of "marl" was not 
even suspected to exist, but an intelligent and enterprising gen- 
tleman of this county, who has recently turned his attention tu 
the subject, reports indications in the southern and eastern por- 
tions of the county, of the existence of extensive beds of this 
valuable fertilizer. It is his opinion that the supply is not only 
easily accessible, but inexhaustible. The specimen exhibited 
by him, nnder the chemical test which have been applied, prove.s 
it to be of the very best quality. If his anticipations shall be 
realized, and there is no ground for reasonable doubt on the 
subject, there will no longer be any complaint of a lack of limi' 
on our soil. The forest growth is of very great variety, but 
the yellow and pitch pine, suitable for fencing and milling pur- 
poses, very largely prevail. The oak ridges furnish the finest 
supply of red and black oak, post oak, hickory and dogwood, 
and the hammocks abound in the white, Spanisli and basket 
oak, beach, magnolia, bay, walnut and cherry, and almost every 
other description of forest-growth that can be named. The 
pine forests, besides furnishing an ample supply of fencing and 
building material, afford fine summer pasturage for the live 
stock, and the hammocks and branches are equally beneficial 
in that respect in the winter, 

<1IAU.V< TKK OF I'orrLAriOX AN'I) AGRICULTUU.VL PnODUCTIOXS, 

Owing to the undulating surface of the country tlie lands in 
this county Avere )iever very attractive to that class of iinmi- 
• -•rants known as large "cotton planters," and hence the county 



81 

was settled up by men of moderate means and of industrious 
habits! This circumstance has stanij)ed upon the population 
more the character of "farmers" tlian of "planters." With this 
characteristic they have always produced their own supplies of 
provisions ; and \n'ior to the close of the late war, it Avas a mat- 
ter of rare occurrence, that either meat or bread was imported 
from abroad. The same spirit of independence is still observa- 
ble in the tone and bearing of tlie agricultural pojiulation of 
the county, and though cramped in their present means and 
suffering under the great change which has so suddenly and un- 
expectedly occurred in the system of labor, it is a cheering 
augury, that they are rapidly conforming to their altered cir- 
cimistances and fast returning to their former thrift. In a word, 
the soil, climate and habits of the population afford all the es- 
sential elements of a successful farming community. 

In thus characterizing the habits of our people, the committee 
would not be understood as intending to intimate that those en- 
gaged in agricultural pursuits ignored or neglected the cultiva- 
tion of the great Southern staple — cotton. Their only design 
is to record the fact that the cultivation of tlie great staple was 
subordinated to the production of all necessary agricultural sup- 
])lies, Avhich distinguished them as a self-sustaining community. 
From a pretty thorough knowledge of the average productive- 
ness of the soil, the committee are of opinion, that to tlie num- 
ber of acres planted in cotton, no portion of the State gave a 
more satisfactory result. And it may be noted that of the 
amount produced, the Sea Island, or long staple, has always en- 
tered very largely into the aggregate. Such Avas the case be- 
fore the war, and the indications of the growing crop show that 
there has been no change in that respect. The exj^erience of 
our planters has fully demonstrated the fact, that the larger 
portion of our planting lands are admirably adapted to the 
jiroduction of this valuable species of cotton, and that from 
carefully selected seed, a fiber is j^roduced, which for fineness, 
length and strength is not excelled by that produced in any 
other section of the State. 

But the most distinguishing trait in the agriculture of Gads- 
den county prior to the war, was the great attention which was 
given to the cultivation of the Cuba Tobacco. This culturs 
Avas inaugurated by a Avorthy gentleman, by the name of Johe 
Smith, who emigrated from Virginia and settled in tlie vicinn 
ty of Quincy about the year 1829. His extraordinary succesi- 
soon induced others to go into the culture, and in the course os 
a fcAV years, the Cuba Tobacco became a staple product of thef 
county, second only, if at all, to cotton. For a number of years 
immediately preceding the Avar, the production of this staple 
Avithin the limits of the county, averaged from tliree to four 
thousand boxes of four hundred pounds each annually, and 
readily commanded on the plantations in cash, from twenty-five> 



82 

to fifty cents per pound. The purchases were generally made 
by agents of German houses, sent out from New York and Bre- 
men. 

The great advantage attending this new enteq^rise, was that 
the principal labor required to save and house tlie crop came on 
between the laying by of the cotton crop and the picking sea- 
son of the same, and' the handling and boxing preparatory to 
sending to market, could be done only in damp and rainy 
weather, Mhen the laborers could not be employed in out-door 
work. It thus came to be estimated by the cotton planters, as 
an extra croj), the avails of which, as a general thing, more 
than paid the entire expenses of the })lantation without, in the 
slightest degree, operating to curtail the staple crops of cotton 
and })rovisioiis. This culture was almost entirely confined to 
Gadsden county, whose soil and climate seemed peculiarly 
adapted to the j)roduction of the article, and to its introduction 
as a new staple, was she mainly indebted for her ra])id increase 
in material wealth prior and up to the close of the late war, and 
if her citizens were in a condition to incur the expense, they 
would doubtless be ready to erect a monument to the memory 
of her worthy citizen, John Smith, now deceased, more deserv- 
ing of the homage and aj)pr()bation of posterity, than arc those 
which have been designed to perpetuate the deeds of military 
chieftains. 

With the change in the system of agricultural labor, induced 
by the results of the late war, the culture of the "Cuba Tobac- 
co" has been almost entirely abandoned, but this abandonment 
will be of only temporay duration, for it is emj)hatically the 
"poor man's crop," as every member of tlie iamily, from six 
years of age and u]nvard, can be ])rofitably employed in either 
the cultivation or ])reparation of the article for market. It is a 
fact vouched for by every member of this committee, and 
Avorthy of note by the ])olitical economist, that in no civilized 
community, was material wealth more equally distributed than 
in (4a(lsden county ; and this can be accounted for only on the 
principle, that a new emjiloyment was ]>resented to the poorer 
class, which from its adaptation to their means elicited effort, 
aroused their ambition for the attaimnent of social equality and 
caused them to inaugurate the good work of ''leveling upwards." 
The ])indar or groimd-nut has always been successfully cultiva- 
ted in this county, but only as food for swine. Tlie tediousness 
of gathering, and the fact that the gathering season comes on 
at the time when we are most closely ])ressed by the ])icking of 
cotton, has heretofore prevented it from being adopted as a 
market crop. There is no doubt, hoAvever, that if made a spe. 
cialty,and resort be had to im])rovcd imjilcmcnts for gathering, 
it could be made one of the most remunerative cro])S that could 
be grown. The results of the State of North Carolina fully 
attest the correctness of this opinion, and in j»oint of soil and 



83 

climate we certainly have the advantage. But Gadsden county 
does not rely alone \ipon her "field crops" for restoration to her 
former prosperity. A new business has been recently inauo-u- 
rated, that of "gardening," and if the experiments of the past 
season affords any indication of the future, she has in that en- 
terprise a most flattering promise of success. One of the first 
shipments of garden peas that reached Kew York the past sea- 
son was sent from the vicinity of Quincy, and the remuneration 
is well calciilated to excite and stimulate the enterprise of our 
citizens the coming season. On the same parallel with the cities 
of Jacksonville and St. Augustine, with a soil far superior in 
productiveness, and with direct and speedy Railroad communi- 
cation, there is no reason why this county may not enter into 
successful competition in this line of business. It is an estab- 
lished fact, that cabbage and all the root-crops are raised in as 
high perfection in Florida as in any part of the United States, 
and a further advantage is that of all of these products, with 
the exception of the Irish potato, may be permitted to remain 
in the ground during the entire winter, without suffering any 
material injury from the cold. It is also an established fact, 
demonstrated by actual shipments made during the season past, 
that vegetables shipped by railroad from Quincy, have been 
delivered in New York on the foui-th day after being started. 

The public have been educated to believe that the successful 
raising of the sweet orange is confined exclusively to the banks 
of the river St. Johns, (the admitted pride of our State,) and to 
the country adjacent thereto, but it requires only a visit to the 
Apalachicola river, the western boundary of Gadsden county, 
to dispel the illusion. The largest and finest oranges that the 
committee have ever seen or tasted, were raised on the banks of 
that river. The sameness of latitude and the great superiority 
of soil, give to thatlocality advantages which cannot be ignored. 
Since the close of the war great attention is being paid to the 
planting of the sweet orange and to the improvement and ex- 
tension of the groves heretofore inaugurated, and the commit- 
tee are credibly informed, that within the last four months, five 
thoxisand dollars in cash have been refused for a grove of one 
acre in extent. It is within their knoAvledge that many indi- 
viduals are now engaged in extending the culture of the sweet 
orange on the banks of that river, and it is a fact worthy of 
being noted, that the insect heretofore so destructive to the 
groves in other sections of the State, have never been known to 
infest the trees in that locality. This may be accounted for 
from the fact that the soil is of unsurpassed fertility, which 
keeps the trees in a healthy and growing condition and renders 
them invulnerable to the attacks of the much dreaded enemy. 
The river communication with Columbus, Georgia, affords an 
ample outlet for all the oranges that can be grown on the banks 
of the Apalachicola river. 



84 

Another source te which we look with confidence for a re- 
storation to our former prosperity, is the cultivation of the Scup- 
)>ernong grape. Tins is no untried experiment in this county. 
The neighborhood of Mt. Pleasant, situated about twelve miles 
west of Quincy, has been engaged in tlie cultivation of this 
grape for many years, and now produces a wine which is i)ro- 
uounced by good judges to be equal to the best of the Califor- 
nia productions and far superior to tlie great bulk of foreign 
importations which are imposed upon us as the pure juice of the 
grape. Our people are now aroused upon the subject, and in 
the course of a few years, Gadsden county will be as celebrated 
lor tlie ])roductions of wine as she has heretofore been for that 
< >f the Cuba Tobacco. 

Of the provision crops, the Indian corn, or mai/.e is the great 
staple, and is chiefly relied upon as food both for man and beast. 
In consequence of the great length of our summers, the climate 
is not as propitious for the ])roduction of a large yield as in 
more northern latitudes ; there is no deficiency in the size of the 
I'ar, but for the reason above stated, greater distance has to be 
given to the stalks, to guard against the firing of the leaves, 
and hence there is a diminution of the number of hills to the 
acre. Upon the lands usually appropriated to the production 
«)f this cereal, (unless it has become greatly exhausted,) from 
twelve to fifteen bushels to the acre is considered a good aver- 
age crop, though upon first rate bottom lands from forty to 
vixty bushels are not unfrequently realized. 

Next to the corn comes the various varieties of the sweet po 
tato. It is food for both man and beast, and is esteemed of 
ixreat value on every well regulated jilantation or farm, as 
afibrding great relief to the exactions upon the corn crib. It is 
of easy production, requiring less work than any other crop, 
and the yield is greater than that of any other crop planted. 
When properly attended to, and upon suitable soil, from two to 
three hundred bushels to the acre may be confidently relied 
upon. The sweet potato may be propagated by planting short 
pieces of the vine as late as the month of August, after 
the cultivation of the cotton crop has been terminated, and 
Avith one ploughing and propitious seasons, invariably affords 
fine rooting for the liogs in the fall of the year. Indeed, the 
most of the pork made in the county is fattened in the potato 
fields. 

The cow or field i)ea is another valuable auxiliary to the pro- 
vision crop. It is esteemed a sine qm nonhy every judicious and 
provident jjlanter, as it is the main reliance for fattening uj) the 
stock in the fall of the year. This crop requires no sj)ecial ap- 
proj)riation ot land for its production, as it may always be 
]tlanted between the hills or roAvs of corn, or without interfer- 
ing with the yield of the latter. Nor does it require any spe- 
cial or separate cultivation for itsjiroduction. lJj)on fresh land. 



85 

or when the soil is In good heart, it is invariably sowed broad- 
cast and ploughed in at the last ploughing of the corn, and re- 
ceives no further attention as to tillage. Where the soil is 
somewhat exhausted, it is best to plant it in hills or drills on 
each side of the rows of corn at the second ploughing, and this 
gives it a working when the corn is to be laid by. Rice is also 
cultivated in sufficient abundance for domestic consumption, 
and the straw is very highly prized as forage, being far prefera- 
ble to that of oats or rye. This grain flourishes iinely in this 
climate, and as it delights in moisture, is usually cultivated on 
lands, which are too wet for cotton or corn. 

The soil and climate of this county is well adapted to the 
production of oats and rye. Both of these grains have always 
been cultivated with success, and the former especially, is much 
relied upon for the support of the plough team. Upon the clay 
soils, wheat has been tried with satisfactory results, but in con- 
sequence of the lack of flouring mills, has never been relied 
upon as a crop, except by a few. With proper facilities to con- 
vert the grain into good flour, a stimulous would be givqi to 
the production of this valuable grain, which would soon render 
the citizens of the county entirely independent on that score. 

Sugar cane is also a staple provision croj), is of easy ctxltui'e, 
grows luxuriantly on good land, and the process of converting- 
it into sugar and syrup, is so simple that but little experience is 
i-equired to produce a good article. Except in a few instances, 
it has never been cultivated as a market crop, but it is of rare 
occurrence that any plantation does not produce an abundant 
supply for domestic use. 

LOXG FORAGE GRASSES AXD TABTUEAGE. 

The blade of the Indian corn is the chief reliance for forag- 
ing the horses and cattle of the plantation ; though large quan- 
tities of hay are gathered on many plantations. The hay thus 
gathered costs only the labor of cutting and curing. The grass 
from which it is made, (the "crab" and "crow foot,") is a spon- 
taneous growth, which vegetates after the crop of corn has i-e- 
ceived the last ploughing, or the oats or rye have been harvest- 
ed. The hay from these grasses is soft and pliable, very nutri- 
tious and equal to any imported article ; any land broken up in 
the spring and well harrowed will produce from one to three 
tons of hay to the acre, and may be cut twice and often thrice 
during the summer and fall. What is true of Gadsden county 
equally applies to every part of Florida. Our theoretical agri- 
culturalists have long racked their brains and exhausted inquiry, 
to discover a grass fully adapted to the soil and climate of the 
South, while we have at our very doors, and as .pests to our 
cultivated crops, two grasses, either of which is tully equal to 
the velvety "blue grass" of Kentucky, and far superior to the 
harsh "Timothy" of the North for haying purposes. 



86 

Under the stimiilus which is being given by the establishment 
of agricultural associations to the development of new ideas, 
the day is not distant, when the shipment of hay to the South 
will be about as profitable as "carrying coals to New Castle." 

We have never suffered any inconvenience from the lack of 
pasturage. The grasses before mentioned afford an abundant 
supply during the summer and fall, and the fields from which 
the provision croj)s have been saved, together Avith the reed 
branches, whicli abound in every part of the county, afford a 
sufticiency lor winter and spring. It is found by actual expe- 
rience that the summer ])asturage is greatly improved by break- 
ing up and harrowing the soil previous to the springing of the 
grass. This stimulates the growth and serves to keep down 
the weeds. 

FRUITS AXD BEKKIKS. 

The pcacli and fig are among our most common fruits and 
are jtroduced in great perfection. But little attention has here- 
tofore been given to the raising of the apple and the ]>ear, but 
enough has been done to prove that there is no lack of adapta- 
tion in either soil or climate. Increased attention is now being 
])aid to the introduction of a greater variety of fruits and we 
are confident that in the course of a few years, apples, pears and 
cherries will be as common as peaches. 

The smaller fruits or berries, sucli as the straw and raspber- 
ries are also cultivated to great perfection, and the dew and 
blackberry grow spontaneously and in great abundance in every 
part of the county. Indeed, we are aware of no reason why 
the cranberry, the gooseberry and the currant may not be cul- 
tivated with equal success, and we confidently look forward to 
the tunc not far distant, when these delicious and higlily prized 
fruits will be abundantly supplied. 

(LI MATE AXI) SKASOXS. 

The climate of this county, and indeed of the entire State, is 
far more equable than is to be found in higher latitudes. Your 
committee are not prepared to give the average range of the 
thermometer throughout the year, but they confidently assert 
that while the formation of ice is of comparatively rare occur- 
rence, the maximum of heat is far below tliat experienced in 
Ohio, X'ew York and the New England States. Your commit- 
tee have no recollection of ever having seen the thermometer 
rise to 100 degrees. The attention of one of the committee 
was especially called to this matter by the rei>orts from those 
States during the present season, and at no time did either of 
three instruments consulted, register above 99 degrees, and tliat 
only on one day. It is true that our warm weather extends 
over a mucli longer period of time than in the States farther 
north, but the intensity of heat is never so great as with them, 



and "\ve arc entirely exempted from the sultriness of atmosphere 
to which they arc subjected. Even in what is esteemed the 
*'heated term," we are always relieved during some portion of 
the day and almost invariably at night, by the cooling iniiuence 
of refreshing breezes. This is doubtless attributed to our geo- 
graphical position, which gives us the advantage of both the 
Atlantic and Gulf influences. As appropriate to the subject 
now under consideration it is a fact worthy of note, that so far 
as your committee are informed, a case of "sun-stroke" has 
never occurred in the county, nor has an instance of "Rabies" 
or "Hydrophia" ever been known. 

To our geographical position may also be attributed our pe- 
culiar exemption from Avhat is usually denominated the "dry" 
and "wet" seasons. It is true that Ave occasionally suffer from 
drought and sometimes from excess of rain, but these occur- 
rences are not periodical and cannot be anticipated with any 
degree of certainty. It is seldom that the growing crops are 
very materially injured by either the one or the other. 

ABILITY OF THE WHITE :\IAX TO EXDURE FIELD LABOR. 

The idea is very current at the Xorth, and until within the 
last two years, prevailed very extensively at the South, that the 
negro alone was capable of enduring the heat of a Florida sun 
fis a field laborer. The change Avhich has been induced by the 
recent emancipation of the negro from compulsory labor, has 
entirely dissipated that idea, and it is now demonstrated by 
actual experience, that upon the high lands, wiiich are usually 
appropriated to the culture of corn and cotton, the white man is 
liis equal in endurance, and greatly Iiis superior in efiicieucy. 
If proof Avere demanded your committee could furnish tlie 
names of scores of young and old men who never before Avorked 
at any manual labor, but Avho liaA'e for the last tAvo years been 
regularly engaged in ploughing and hoeing. The fact is that 
there ahvays Avere, even prior to the proclamation of emancipa- 
tion, a much larger amount of AA'hite labor employed at the 
South, in agricultural and the mechanic arts, than her ])eople 
got credit for. This Avill be made manifest to any one, Avho 
will take the trouble to consult the statistics furnished by the 
last census reports and there note the very large excess of non- 
slaveholders over those Avho Avere relieved from labor by being 
the owners of slaves. And in this county particularly, AA'here 
there Avere comparatively fcAV large cotton plantations, it Avas 
no unusual occurrence to see the smaller j^roprietors thus regu- 
larly engaged in field labor. 

HEALTH. 

Gadsden county lias alAvays been esteemed one of the most 
healthy counties in the State, and indeed in this respect, Arill 
<3ompare favorably with any section of the United States. The 



88 

undulating surface of the county leaves nO room for the accu- 
mulation of stagnant water, and hence it is exempted from those 
miasmatic diseases so 2)revalent in low latitudes. For many 
years prior to the war tliei-e were sustained at the town of 
Quincy two Hourishing liigh schools which, in consequence of 
the healthfulness of the situation, i-eceived a flattering patron- 
age from hundreds of miles around. This town was quite a 
resort for invalids from the Korth and West prior to tlie wai\ 
and with proper arrangements for the comfortable entertain- 
ment of visitors, would soon regain its former celebrity. En- 
joying a high and elevated location, Avith si)rings of pure free- 
stone water, gushing out at all sides, and containing a popula- 
tion noted for their morality and intelligence, it is esteemed as 
one of the most desirable points for residence at the South. 

KAILKOAI) A>1> STKA:NriK>A'r VACHJIIKS. 

Quincy, the county site of Gadsden county, is at present the 
Western terminus of a railroad, which is designed to connect 
the city of Pensacola with the Atlantic ocean, at Fernandina, 
and the St. Johns river at Jacksonville. This line gives her 
direct communication with the two latter cities, and by the 
branch Avhich connects with the Georgia road, she also has direct 
access to the city of Savannah. The branch road from TaUa- 
hassee to St. Marks gives her direct communication with the 
only Gulf port in 31iddle Florida. 

By means of steamboats plying on the Apalacliicola aiul 
Chattahoochee rivers, (only twenty miles distant and soon to be 
connected by tlie extension of the railroad west,) she is also put 
in communication witli the cities of Apalacliicola and Colum- 
bus, Ga. Tliese facilities for transportation will prove of incal- 
culable advantage when tlie "new enterprise*' of "gardening'' 
shall have become fully developed. 

ADVANTAGES OFFERED TO IMMIGRANTS FOR Pl'lICUASE OF LAND. 

In consequence of the recent change in agricultural labor» 
the planters find themselves in possession of a much larger area 
of land than they can ]n-ofitably cultivate. There are many 
large plantations in dift'erent parts of the county of sufticient 
area to accommodate several families, wliich can be purchased 
at a very small price and upon a long credit. Upon these plan- 
tations are comfortable dwellings, with all the necessary out- 
buildings, and the land being already cleared and brought un- 
der cultivation, tlie purchasers could go. immediately to work, 
without encountering the delay consequent iqwu the clearing of 
the forest. It would be greatly to the advantage of pei-sons 
desiring to remove to the South to combine in the })urchase of 
these large plantations and divide them to suit their own views. 
By the adoption of this course the lands could be obtained 
upon much more reasonable and accommodating terms and the 
old association of former neighbors effectually preserved. To 



89 

aid those who may visit our county for the purpose of purchas- 
ing settlements, and to protect them from lalling into the hands 
of sharpers, it is proposed to establish in the town of Quincy, 
under the ausjjices of our "Agricultural and Immigration As- 
sociation," recently inaugurated and now in successful opera- 
tion, an "Intelligence oflice," where lands offered for sale will ho 
registered, and the enquirer may obtain such information as 
will be useful to him in making his purchases. It being our de- 
sire to increase the population of our coimty and to dispose of 
our surplus lands the officers and members of this Association 
are determined to spare no pains or labor to attract the immi- 
grant, and Ave hereby tender him all the assistance in our power 
to enable him to make judicious selections. 

TOXi:, TEMPER AXD rEELl>"GS OF THE TEOrLE, 

Without intending to apologise for the effort recently made- 
for the attainment of "political independence," the committee 
take great pleasure in announcing that the mollifying influences 
of time, and the conviction that the sympathy of a large por- 
tion of the better class of the Northern people is with the South, 
have worked a great change in the tone, temj^er and feelings of 
oiir population, and that they are now prepared to receive as 
friends those with whom they were recently in deadly antagon- 
ism. Immigrants coming from any part of the world, and es- 
pecially from any of the States ot the Union, who may come 
vnih the bona fide intention to become citizens, and to identify 
themselves with us in interest will be cordially welcomed and 
always have that social position assigned them to which they 
may be justlv entitled. 

Chas. H. DuPoxt, -] 

P. W. White, j 

Isaac R. Hauris, J»Commit'tee. 

E. C. Love, j 

S. B. Love, J 



Failing to obtain in time for publication in this document the 
reports from the various counties which I solicited, I have in- 
serted reports from several counties that were made to the State 
Agricultural Society, and already published in pamphlet, issued 
by that Society. 

And I shall add to these, as far as the space allowed will per- 
mit, extracts from the various essays and letters that have ap- 
peared in the newspapers of the day, and from ptiblic docu- 
ments referring to the State, taking care to make such selec- 
tions as will convey at once the most authentic as well as the 
most useful and interesting information. 



90 
MADISON COUNTY. 

BOUXDARIES. 

The county of Madison is situated between the rivers Su- 
wance and Aucilla, and about one hundred and twenty miles 
west of Jacksonville, and sixty east of Tallaliassee, the capital 
of the StatC) and is connected by rail Avith both places, and also 
by rail Anth Savannah, Ga., distant two Inindred miles. 

Madisouville is the county site, situated on the railroad, and 
about the centre of the county. 

It is bounded on the north by Georgia ; east, by Suwanee 
and Hamilton counties , south, by LaFayette and Taylor coun- 
ties ; and west, by Jertersou county. Its population now is 
about 7,000 inhabitants; area about eight hundred square miles, 
or 512,000 acres. Of this about 240,000 acres are private pro- 
perty, held by titles from the United States and Strte govern- 
ments. Many of these tracts are choice locations, selected on 
account of advantages of situation, richness of soil, grazing, and 
timber, 

PKODUCTIOXS. 

Corn and cotton have heretofore been the principal produc- 
tions of this count}'. Before the war between the States, about 
1 2,000 bales of cotton Avere exported, more than one-third of 
which Avas Sea Island, or tlie long staple Aariety, During 1867, 
less than 6,000 bales'^Avere sent to market. The falling short, 
attributable to the scarcity and unreliability of labor to culti- 
\ate crops requiring tAvelve months of constant attention and 
Avork, and the mischievous and erroneous intermediary policy, 
demoralizing those, Avho, under other circumstances, Avould be a 
well behaved, orderly and useful class of citizens, and Avhich 
lias only created discord between capital and labor, Avhen the 
strongest feelings, motives, interests, and cln-istian requirements 
are, to live in ])eace and harmony, that all classes may prosper. 

For farm gardening for the earliest Northern market, this 
comity has e<iual advaiitagcts with any in the State, the lands 
being naturally ada}»ted to such culture. Since the Avar, con- 
siderable quantities of early vegetables have been shipped, com- 
manding in NcAV York, IJoston and Philadelphia highly remu- 
nerating prices. Besides the staples of cotton, corn, sugar, up- 
land rice, and SAveet potatoes, Madison county lands abundantly 
produce Irish potatoes, peas, turnips, beets, cabbage, onions, 
egg plant, tomatoes, carrots, lettuce, celery, rhubarb, caulifloAV- 
ers, radisiies, Avatermelons, cantalopes, cucumbers, beans, and 
squashes ; in short, all the vegetables known in the Northem 
States and many that Avill not groAv there, and two months 
earlier than the latitude of New York. Many of these vegeta- 
bles flourish during the winter months. 

Peaches and figs can be cultiA-ated in the greatest abundance ; 
also pomegranates, grapes, strawberries, plums, and Avith cheap 



91 

and easy transportation of only six hours to Jacksonville, 
twelve to Savannah, and less than one hundred hours to New 
York, Philadelphia, or Baltimore. 

PROFITS OF FAKM GAUDENIXG. 

4 acres English Peng, harvesting 400 bushele, worth at depot $400 00 

3 " Snap Beans, " G'lO " " " 300 00 

3 ' Cucumbers, •' 125 barrels, " " 375 00 

3 " Nutmeg Melons " 200 " " " 300 00 

3 •' Tomatoes, " 320 bushels, " " 320 00 

l(i acres. $1,705 00 

The English peas, snap beans, and cucumbers are ready for 
market in April, and first weeks in May, The melons and to- 
matoes in first Aveeks of May, June, and first weeks in July, 
without hot-beds. The greatest labor is the picking or harvest- 
ing, they being mostly cultivated with the plough. 

If these sixteen acres are plouglied, harrowed well, and rolled, 
Tjy the fifteenth of July, there will spring up at once a strong 
crop of "crow foot" and "crab grass," Avhich will mow, in Oc- 
tober, at least one and a half tons of hay per acre, of a quality 
superior to any that is ever imported from the North ; and will 
readily command one dollar per hundred pounds, equal to 1480 ; 
the whole receipts of sixteen acres being $2,185. 

With the above can be raised a crop of ten acres of cane, 
making plough work of 26 acres for one horse ; the harvesting 
and making the cane not interfering Avith the farm garden crop, 
It takes about the same labor to cultivate a sugar cane crop as 
it does for corn. For a fjirmer not cultivating more than five or 
ten acres of cane, the expenses of an iron mill, boilers and 
brick-work, house or shed, &c., would not cost to exceed four 
hundred dollars. To manufacture ten acres of cane Avould re- 
quire the work of six men. forty days; one pair of mules, horses 
or oxen, at the mill, and another pair to haul the cane from the 
field. The profit of ten acres })lanted in cane, from actual ex- 
periment, omitting capital required for boilers, mill, troughs for 
crystalizing, houses for draining, teams, &c., is as follows: 
Dr. 10 days' work of team to break up land, $1.50 per 

day _. 615.00 

240,000 seed cane, at $10.00 per M _. 245.00 

15 days' work planting, at $1.000 15.00 

10 days' work with hoe.- _ lO.OO 

15 days' workAvith cultiA^ators and ploughs 22.50 

6 men 40 days, equal to 240 days' Avork manufac- 
turing, $1.00 ._ 240.00 

2 pair oxen 40 days, $3.00 per day _ 120.00 

Barrels, tfcc 60.50 

$728.00 
Cr. By 3,700 lbs. sugar per acre, 37,000 lbs. at 10c... 83,700.00 

Showing a net profit of. .._. $2,972.00 



92 

It is no uncommon thing to produce by proper fertilizing two 
thousand pounds of sugar, and one hundred and seventy or two 
hundred gallons of syrup, equal to one thousand seven hundred 
jjounds of sugar, or a total of three thousand seven hundred 
pounds of sugar, of a superior quality, per acre. Sugar requires 
natural strong land, or well manured light land, the latter mak- 
ing a better quality of sugar. By properly mainiring the ra- 
foon, or cane springing up from the root, after the lirst crop 
trom planting, it will yield nearly the same jiroduct for two oi- 
three years ; after that time, experience teaches it is best to re-- 
niove the roots to other ground. It will be observed that after 
the first planting there is no more expense for seed cane. 

Estimates of other products, founded upon actual experience, 
showing the profits of Florida farming, could be made, denion- 
strating that there is more profit in the rich lands of Florida 
than any other State of the Republic ; but this seems unneces- 
sary, for whoever is earnest to better his situation ought to see 
for himself, and any time while the crops are growing, or being 
gathered, can be convinced by ocular demonstration. 

FACILITIES von TKAXSl'Oin'ATION. 

The Pensacola and Georgia Railroad runs through the middli- 
of the county, aftbrding daily facility and cheap transportation 
to Jacksonville on the Atlantic and to St. Marks on the Gulf; 
or branching at Live Oak, forty miles east of Madison, to Sa- 
vannah, Georgia. The Suwannee river aftbrds good steamboat 
navigation to Cedar Keys on the Gidf, the western terminus ot 
the Florida Railroad, stretching across the Peninsula to Fer- 
nandina on the Atlantic. • 

JOHN WESTCOTT, President. 

Smith, '] 

Wakdi.aav, I 

Ardis, )- Vice-Presidents. 

WlLI^RI>, I 



c. 


ir. 


B. 


F. 


H. 


z. 


R. 


H. 


L. 


M. 



Begos, J 



A. C. Whitkeii, Secretary, 



PUTNAM COUNTY. 

Putnam county is situated on each side of St. Johns river, 
seventy miles up the river, and south of Jacksonville, It is 
bounded on the east by St, Johns county, on the north and 
north-west by Clay county, on the west by Alachua and on the 
south by Marion and Soludia, Palatka, situated on the west 
bank of St. Johns river, is the county site, and is noted for its 
well-kept hotels and its fine orange groves. 



93 



FACILITIES OF TRANSPORTATION. 



Sea steamers amve and leave twice a week for Chaiiestoii ; 
steamers also arrive and leave four times a week for Savannah ; 
two regnlar river boats run from Jacksonville to Palatka. 
There are also three steamers running from Palatka up the Ock- 
laAvaha to Lakes Griffin, Eustice, Harris, and Dora. 

LANDS AND PRODUCTIONS. 

There is a large quantity of land in Putnam county of the 
first quality, well adapted to the growing of early vegetables, 
also oranges, lemons, limes, and the staple crops of sugar, corn, 
and cotton. The Ocklawaha lands, as also the lands in the 
vicinity of the lakes near the head of steamboat navigation, are 
specially valuable for sugar, cotton, corn and fruit-growing, 
large quantities of which can be bought at low prices. In the 
vicinity of Lake Harris, and higher uj) the river, frost is seldom 
known, sugar cane maturing so as to tassel. In this county is 
the celebrated Silver spring. 

The steamer Ocklawaha, Captain R. J, Adams, leaves Palatka 
for this celebrated spring every Friday morning, after the ar- 
rival of the steamer Dictator from Charleston, via Savannah, 
Fernandina, and Jacksonville ; and the steamer Griffin, Captain 
D. A. Dunham, leaves Palatka for Silver Spring and the lakes 
above, on Monday, after the anival of the steamer City Point 
and steamer Darlington. 

Special information in relation to the purchase of lands, crops, 
protits, &c., may be had on application to either 

A. S. Hart, ~\ 

•Jas. O. Woodruff, I 

Dr. McMeekin, )> Palatka, 

J. W. Thomas, | 

.Ias. Burt, J 



The following "Account Sale" of Peaches is taken from the 
Southern CuUivator'foY August, 1868. The peaches were grown 
near Culumbus, Ga., upwards of three degrees north of Florida, 
and more than eight hundred feet diffi^rence of altitude, Flori- 
da fruit of the same kind can be in market at least fifteen or 
twenty days earlier. 

"The original of the bill of sale appended is in our posses- 
sion. We publish it to give parties who have not investigated 
the subject, an idea of the profits of fruit culture at the South. — 
Ed. So. Cui.t," 



94 

Sale of Peachett for Account of Hon. B. J. Moses. 

June 21 — 2 Crates — 1 lost. 

1 bushel $20 00 

Juno 22 — 1 Patent Chest, 1 J bush.__ _ 30 GO 

23— " " Hbush 38 00 

2 boxes, 1 bush., $14 00, 28 00 

1 " " 13 00 

1 " " 12 00 

2 " " 810 00, 20 00 

June 24 — 1 Patent Chest, 1^^ bush 40 00 

2 Crates, 1| bush., ^\b 00, 30 00 

1 " 1 bush 18 00 

8249 50 
Commission, lO per cent 24 95 

Net proceeds __ !t'224 55 

All by Express. 

T. C, Kim BALL & Co. 
New York, June 25th, 1868. 



COLUMBIA COITKTT. 

GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION AND KAII.ROAB FACILITIES. 

Lake City, the seat of justice of Columbia county, is sixty 
miles "Nvest of Jacksonville on the St. Johns river, aiid is con- 
nected -with the latter place by railroad, and Jacksonville has 
regular steamshiji communication with Savannah and Charles- 
ton, and arrancrements made for a steamship line direct to New 
1 ork. 

Lake City is also connected by rail, a distance of about eigh- 
ty-iive miles, with Fernandina on the Atlantic, Avith established 
steamship communications with Savannah, Charleston and New 
York. 

Lake City is also connected by raihoad with Cedar Keys on 
the (iulf of Mexico, which latter place has established steam- 
ship communication with Mobile and New Orleans. 

Lake City is also connected with St. Marks on the (lulf, by 
railroad, which latter place has also established steamship com- 
munication with Mobile and New Orleans. 

Lake City is also connected by railroad with Tallahassee, the 
capital of the State. 

Lake City is also connected by railroad with Savannah, the 
commercial emporiimi of Georgia, adistance of about two hun- 
dred miles. 



95 

LANDS. 

The lands of Columbia county comprehend pretty much all 
the varieties of soil to be found in Florida. 

Hammock — Grey and black. 

Pine lands of very siaperior quality; many of them with the 
clay cropping out to the surface. 

Oak and Hickory lands of excellent quality. All these lands 
are highly productive in their natural state, and yield a munifi- 
cent reward to the judicious husbandman, for the labor and ex- 
pense of manuring and fertilizing. 

They can be purchased at from one dollar twenty-five cents, 
the government price, to five dollars per acre, according to the 
improvements. Tliese low prices bring the lands of this coun- 
ty within the reach of men of limited means. 

rnoDucTioNS. 

The principal crops now raised upon these lands are cotton, 
both short and long staple, sugar cane, Indian corn, oats, rye, 
potatoes, Irish and sweet, pindars, corn-field peas, rice, &c. 
But they will also produce tobacco of a fine quality, Palma 
Christi, to perfection ; all the varieties of the txirnip to perfec- 
tion, peaches of a superior quality ; grapes, several varieties, to 
perfection; oranges, sweet, sour and bitter-sweet; figs, very fine; 
apples, tolerable ; pears, tolerable ; ])omegranates, fine ; plums, 
very siiperior ; strawberries, excellent, and all the garden stufls 
to very great perfection, and in time for the early New York 
market. 

The lands of this county are rich in their supplies of timber 
for lumber and for naval stores. No country can offer greater 
inducements to the lumber men of Maine and the Turpentine 
men of North Carolina. 

Besides this, nature has formed this county with peculiar 
adaptability for small farms — a sj^stem which our present char- 
acter of labor compels us to adopt. 

In conclusion, it may be stated that Columbia coi;nty is well 
watered, and for good health is not surpassed by any county in 
the State. 

The setting in of a decided ciirrent of immigration upon this 
county, and the strangers coming here almost every'day to look 
at our lands, indicate a just and growing appreciation of the 
advantages presented by this county. 

J. J. FiXLEY, President A. I. A. 



DUVAL COUNTY. 

BOUNDARIES, PRODUCTIOXS, COMMEKCE, AND FACILITIES FOIl 
TKANSPORTATION. 

Duval county is situated upon, and includes the moutli of St. 



96 

Johns river, and is one of the north-eastern counties of the 
State, Xassaii county being on the north, Bakerjcounty on the 
west, Putnam and Clay on tlie south, and the Atlantic on the 
east. St. Johns river runs through the county, and, with its 
tributary streams, presents facilities for inter-communication 
unrivalled by any county in the State. It is believed that this 
county contains over five hundred thousand acres of tillable 
land. 

With the exception of the distinctively tropical fruits, such 
as the pineapple, banana, guava, &c., nearly all the wide range 
of vegetable productions flourisli in Duval county. But in its 
adaptation to the cultivation of fruits of all kinds, and of vege- 
table^, must the county of Duval excel, as well in the possession 
of the various necessary facilities for its ti'ansportation and ex- 
portation. 

For grapes, peaches, figs, oranges, lemons, and limes ; for tur- 
nips, cabbages, carrots, beets, beans, ]>eas, melons, squashes, cu- 
cumbers, and for everything ordinarily coming under the clas- 
sification of vegetables, the soil of Duval county is remarkably 
Avell adapted; and the raising of all these, as well as of potatoes 
of the sweet and Irish species, are only awaiting the enlarge- 
ment and improvement of the means of direct and speedy 
transportation to the larger northern ports, to show a develop- 
ment that will be astonishing. Potatoes and cucumbers can be 
made ready for transportation by the first of May, and, with 
])roper care, tomatoes can be ready at the same time, and 
melons can be easily made ready for shipment by the first of. 
June, and thus be placed in the northern markets before they 
can be furnished by the hot-beds of the farm gardeners of Vir- 
ginia, Maryland, Delaware, Xew Jersey, Pennsylvania or Long 
Island. 

Statement of the Commerce of the Port of Jachonvilk from January 
1«<, 1868, to Jum 30, 1868. 

EXPORTS (fOUKIGX.) 

Pitch Pine Lumber, 1,111,164 feet *22,938 00 

Shingles, Cypress, 63,'26S 399 87 

Spirits Tupentine, 1,400 gallons 592 00 

Hosin, 5 bbls _! _ 20 00 

Total value of exports, foreign, $!23,949 87 

KXPORTS, COASTWISE. 

Cotton, Upland, 270 bales _ - 6i34,155 00 

" Sea Island, 2,343 bales _ 382,337 00 

Wool, 100 bales. __ 1,860 00 

Pitch Pine Lumber, 8,273,289 feet 165,465 78 

Live Oak, 2,000 feet - -- 1,000 00 

Red Cedar, 9,000 feet 4,500 00 

Skins, 600 bales 2,000 00 



97 

Hides, 8,200 8,000 00 

Syrup, 150 barrels _- _ 4,500 00 

Sugar, 42 barrels 800 00 

Tobacco, 73 boxes 4,020 00 

Cotton Seed, 2,000 bags..- ],21C 02 

Clap Boards, 40,000. __ 1,500 00 

Naval Stores, 300 bbls 1,400 00 

Spirits of Turpentine, 1 94 barrels 3,880 00 

Oranges, 1,500 barrels 10,925 00 

Vegetables, 4,200 boxes _ 18,050 00 

" 243 barrels _. 3,250 00 

Water Melons, 0,000 _ 3,000 00 

Sheep, 170 ^.. 550 00 

Beef Cattle, 220 _ _ 2,750 00 

Mocking Birds, 800 750 00 

Paroquets, 1,000 -_ _ _,. 500 00 

Turtle, 180. ' 75 00 

Other merchandise not enumerated 12,000 00 



*0G9,724 00 

Foreign exports f 23,949 87 

Coastwise 009,724 90 

Total value of shipments, six months, . ^093,074 77 

CLEAKAXCES. 

72 sail vessels. 

75 steamers. 

147 59,029 07-100 tonnage. 2,548 men, 

ENTRIKS. 

70 sail vessels. 

76 steamers. 

140 58,000 52-100 tonnage. 2,547 men. 

The possession of easy, abundant, and cheap disposition of 
the results of labor must always be a leading topic of inquiry. 
A glance at the map of Florida will at once show that Duval 
county has all these facilities. The river St. Johns, with its 
multitudinous ramnifications of creeks, lagoons, and inlets, in 
fact occupy nearly one-tenth of the whole surface of the county, 
and thus, Avith the waters that are navigable for vessels of all 
sizes, is a safe and cheap means of carrying the produce of the 
farmer to market. Such is the above supply of steamers navi- 
gating the river, and clearing from Savannah and Charleston, 
that nearly every day in the week the farmer can sliip his pro- 
duce to a Northern market. It is confidently believed that di- 
rect communication by steamers will soon be established be- 
tween New York and Jacksonville in a verv short time. 



98 



A railroad extends westward from Jacksonville and through 
the county, two hundred miles to Quincy, 
J. P. SA.vnKKSox, President, ) 

TiiKo. IlAiniJiiMii:, \'ife-President, >• Com. of Board of Trade. 
T. 8. Eki.f.s, Vice-President, ') 



t^CUPPEIlNONG GlfAPE. 

Tlie loUowinLj ]»aper, on this famous grape, was prepared for 
and read before tlie Gadsden County Agricultural Society: 

Mr. Je>se Wood, the author, is a i)ractical planter, and has 
successfully grown this grape and made wine for the last fifteen 
years. His success has caused many in that county to follow 
his example, and already. Mount Pleasant has become famou.'» 
lor its vineyards. It is almost needless to say that the Scu].- 
pernong grows easily in any portion of Florida ; it is not sub- 
ject to any of the so-called diseases of rot, falling of fruit, frost, 
and heat ; it yields unifonnly, and a vine once rooted, ever aftei- 
needs no pruning whatever, requiring simply an arbor to run 
upon, or as an old grape grower expressed it, plant the gra}»e 
and commence an arbor and kee]» l)uilding. Tlie fruit is most 
excellent as a table grape, and the wine is as delicate as the 
lanious wine of the old world. ^Ir. Wood's report is jn-actical 
and to the jjoint, and any one can, from the reading of it, go to 
work aiul soon be able to sit under his own vine and enjoy thi- 
luxury of good fruit, good wine, and l)y sale, Ise assured of a 
handsome income. 

The fact tliat an excellent article of wine has been made at 
Mount I'lcasant, in this county, during the past ten years, by 
inexpeiienced ])ersons, without nmst scale, Acidimeter, or any oi 
the a])i)aratus nsually emjtloyed by wine-makers, establishes the 
suj>eriority of this grape for the nnuuitacture of wine. 

.And if we take into consideration, that it surpasses all other 
grapes for hardiness of vine, freedom from rot or disease, and 
adaptability of s(til and climate, and that a vineyard can be 
erected and ke])t up at much less cost than from any other 
grai>e, we will come to the conclusion that the })eople of Gads- 
den — or very many of them, at least — have no conception of 
the immense source of profit that would be derived to the State, 
and more especially to this county, from the cultivation of thi^ 
grape. It would increase vastly the density of our jiopulatitm, 
and add to the already proverbial healthfulncss of the country 
by the free use of ])ure and unadulterated wine. This gra[»e is 
not only American but i^ empliatically a Southern grape. It 
may be grown anyAvhere south of A irginia, but aswetra\el 
southward, increases in the si/e of the berry, and in the rich- 
ness and aroina of the nuist. lint Gadsden county, with \ ery 



99 

little exception, is peculiarly adapted in soil as well as climate 
to the production of this grape. Consequently, Providence has 
furnished everything requisite, the kind of grape most valuable 
of all others, the soil, the climate, timber in abundance for 
arbors, and it only remains to be seen, whether we will exert a 
little energy to reaj) the golden harvest held out to us so invit- 
ingly. 

The average yield of wine to the acre, in Europe, is from one 
hundred and fifty to four himdred and fitly gallons, according 
to locality, (that region approximating nearest the climate of 
Florida making the greatest yield.) 

It has been proven by actual experiment, that two thousand 
gallons can be raised upon an aci'e in this county on our poorest 
land, without any great deal of manuring. "We will not hesi- 
tate to say, that one thousand gallons per acre may be relied 
on where suflicient care has been taken, and the vineyard reached 
the proper age. The annual production of wine in Europe, at 
one dollar per gallon, will exceed the entire debt of the United 
States Government at the close of the Avar. The United States, 
especially the Southern portion of it, can and ought to exceed 
Europe in the production of wine. So far from importing wine, 
we should export in every direction. We can produce it more 
abundantly and cheaper than any other people. 

MODE OF PKOCTKING CUITINGS. 

These should be rooted by placing the vine where it can be 
brought down to the earth in layers, throwing dirt upon tliem 
at intervals of about two feet apart. As soon as they become 
well rooted, cut the buried vines apart from the main vine. 
Leave them undisturbed until you wish to put them out in De- 
cember, January, or February. Some heavy object should be 
placed upon the vine when it is covered with dirt, to prevent 
them from being torn up. It also keeps the dirt more compact 
and helps to retain moisture. It should be borne in mind that 
it is almost impossible to propagate Scujipernong cuttings witli- 
out roots, and that this should be attended to by the first of 
July, yet we have known young vines to root well, covered the 
middle of August. 

M01>E or PUTTING (IT VIXES, 

Dig holes, the larger the better, thuty-five feet each way, set 
up a "stake and fill the hole half full with any good manure. 
Throw upon the manure top soil to within four or six inches of 
the surface, cover up and pack the dirt well around the cutting, 
leaving the surface lower than elsewhere. When the vines 
begin to grow be c*tain to keep all the shoots broken oflT but 
the one which must be trained up the stake by being kept tied 
to it or which is much better, by having a hard twisted cord 
to extend up and down the stake. As the vine grows untwist 



100 
the cord and let in a tendril which will hold the vino securely. 

MODK, tOtsT, KTl"., OF EUECTIXG ARWORS. 

This will depend entirely upon the locality, both as to mode 
and cost. In most places in this county, where pine timher and 
in some places cypress is so abundant, the best and cheapest 
plan is to get lightwood or cypress posts, place them ten or 
fifteen feet apart as you like, with railing from one to another. 
The amount of railing may be very much lessoned by the use 
of brush for the young vines to run iipon. When timber is 
plentiful and convenient all of the arboring for the second year 
(the first year only requiring stakes) can be erected by liiring 
all the work done at a cost of tifteen dollars per aero. !Most 
farmers can make them at leisure times without scarcely any 
j)erceptible cost. The cost will increase every year a little un- 
til the arbor extends over the entire ground. Tlie timo neces- 
sary for this to be accomplished will de})ond ui)on the attention 
yaid to the vineyard. We think it can be done by extra care 
and attention to enriching the soil, watering, *S:c., in live or six 
years. Where timber is scarce, otlier modes Avill occur to the 
vine grower, and if at a greater cost, perhaps, he will feel com- 
pensated by the improvement in neatness of api)oarance. A 
nice arbor could be erected at no very groat outlay of money, 
with telegra])h wire. But we are not prepared to speak ad- 
visedly as to the risks from electricity. We unhesitatingly 
make the assertion, based upon an exjierience, though upon a 
small scale, of twenty-tive years, that extension is the "one 
thing needful" for Scuppernong vines, and utterly contemn any 
thing like pruning, lapping, or anything of the sort, except to 
procure a single stem from the ground to the railing of the vino- 
yard. Then let it run in every direction, merely endeavoring 
to keep the vine in a horizontal position by continually oidarg- 
ing the arbor. It is exceedingly wonderful to see the area of 
ground that a single vine, in a rich i)laee, will cover. 

MAKING TlIK WINE. 

We will give the opinion for what it may bo worth, that 
with all the advantages of apparatus for ascertaining the amount 
of acid, sugar, «fcc., and suitable collars for koei)ing the wine 
that wine makers elsewhere have, that the must of the Seu]i- 
pernong grape will make a wine, especially a sparkling Avino, 
that cannot be excelled in any ])art of the world. This, of 
course, is a mere oj>inion, but it is based upon the faot, that in 
our simple way, we invariably make a su))orior wine. Ourjilan 
consists simjdy in ex])rossing the juice from the grapes, adding 
from one to two pounds of sugar, tilling up a vessel and keep- 
ing it full during lormontation by having some extra juice on 
hand for that purj)oso. jVfter allowing fermentation to go on 
from ton to lifteon dayp, bung up tightly so as to exolude all 



101 

possibility of air entering the cask and leaving it undisturbed 
until the wine is made. Some close up the bung tightly at 
once, after about ten days. Others close it up gradually Avithin 
the time mentioned. No doubt but'that it would be much bet- 
ter to exclude the air entirely from the beginning, by means of 
a crooked tube with one end fastened in the bung of the vessel 
containing the must, the other end of the tube extending into 
a vessel containing water. It is, j^erhaps, unnecessary for me 
to say more upon making wine, as much more valuable informa- 
tion can be procured elsewhere upon this part of the subject 
under consideration. We will say something, however, about 
the manner of gatlieriiig the grapes and obtaining the juice, as 
these things are done in a different manner than from other 
grapes. Wait until the grapes are fully ripe, place a forked 
stick under the vine and shake down upon a cloth spread for 
that purpose. If you only wish to make a small quantity, put 
them in a tub and mash them Avith a light maul. Throw the 
mashed grapes into a vat or cask with one head out. Let them 
remain over night — pull out tae spigot at the bottom of the 
cask, and leave it out until the pulp and hulls drij) dry. If, 
however, you wish to make a large quantity of wine, construct 
a couple of rollers, from any kind of wood, to be turned by a 
crank, placing a hopper above. The juice can be expressed in 
this way rapidly and with ease. We forbear to say more for 
fear of being tedious. The impoi*tance of the subject requires 
that a great deal more should be said and written. Our people 
are too indifferent about anything which promises to pay in the 
future. Wo must arouse from this lethargy, if we expect Gads- 
den county to be what it is the providence and privilege of the 
citizens to make her, the most populous and prosperous county 
in the State. 



FRUIT CULTURE IN FLORIDA. 

The following extracts are from a letter relative to tlie culture 
of lemons and other fruits of Florida, from Manatee county, 
Florida : 

The lemon have a rough, thick skin when first pulled, but 
allowed to vnlt in a cool airy loft the skin becomes thin and 
soft, and the lemon is full of fine sour juice. In the wilted state 
I think the limes and lemons would bear shipping much better 
than when just pulled, but we have no direct communication 
with the northern cities, and thus far find no sale for lemons or 
limes. If, therefore, we can find some use for the expressed 
juice, it will be of great service to this region, for the lemon 
and lime both thrive well on jiine lands, bear at an earlier age 
than the orange, and that on lands that will not produce the 
orange to any advantage. The guava also does well on poor 



102 

land in this region and all Pouth of tliis^ — grows fast and bears 
in three yeai's. Very nice jelly and marmalade are made from 
the gnava grown here. I am just beginning to plant l>ananas; 
have liad a few for several years and fully tested their good 
([ualities, and have now ^;ome two thousand plants mostly young. 
The wintei"s are rather severe here, but the fruit matures well 
and V)ids fair to beeome the most profitable that ean be raised 
in this region. It requires a ri?h and sliglitly moist soil, gives 
iVuit from the sucker or sjyrout in twelve to eighteen months, 
;ind when well attended yields from one to five or six bunches 
on every five feet square, the large bundles frequently selling 
as high as two dollars. 

The inost successful manuring thus far tried here, for the 
l)anana, corn, cane, *fce., is animal matter combined with lime 
aiul covered with muck, marsh mud, or even soil, to absorb the 
ammonia set free by the lime. The scrapings of a few hides 
thrown around a clump of bananas have excited no little admi- 
ration. But the most available manm'c in this region is the 
fish. I have taken some j)ains to get the ottal from the fisheries 
and mixing this with lime and covering with muck have brought 
out fine corn, sugarcane, cabbage, ttc, on lands by nature very 
])Oor. This should be more generally known. Fish are very 
abundant on the Florida coasts, and should be made more ])ro- 
iitable than liitherto. Thus fiir the mullet have been taken late 
in the season, cured with a large amount of salt, dry ])acked, 
heads, back bones, scales and all, and in truth neither fit for 
man nor beast ; whereas, taken in season, neatly deaiu'd and 
packed in kits, half barrels, tfcc, they would be accounted a tre.at 
on the tables of the better sort. The ofial thus left, heads, en- 
trails, and back bones, i)acked in lime and muck, would pay 
well at five dollars i)er ton, and at that the ])oor land along our 
voast become the most productive and ))rofitable in the whole 
country. I combine lime with the ofial to make the maimre 
more permanent as well as to keep it from hogs and bu/zards, 
ami cover it with marsh mud to save the ammonia. A shark is 
now and then thrown in with the oft'al, and the carcass, after 
tiie liver has been taken out for oil, still yield a large amount of 
ammonia. The oil from the fish heads, aiul sometimes fifteen or 
twenty gallons from a single shark's liver, will more than pay 
for the expense of taking the fish. — Mari'iniux Courier. 



Yxom the B;iltin)orc Sun, Aup. 10. 

THE PEACH THADE OF BALTIMORE. 

''Those who are incredulous concerning the ])each trade should 
pay a visit to Light-street wharf Here can be seen piles upon 
piles or empty boxes awaiting transportation to the eastern 
shore, while every day some Jjalf dozen steamers arrive loaded 



♦ 103 

to their utmost capacity with peaches. The fruit ripening so 
far is small, but, as the season advances, it will increase. 
Propellers loaded entirely with peaches are now daily leavins^ 
Light-street wharf for Philadelphia and New York. The retail 
price of the fruit yesterday ranged from twenty-five to fifty 
cents per peck. The present season is represented as being one 
of the most prolific, and so far as peaches are concerned, is sup- 
posed to be one of the most successful known for- many years. 
Yesterday parties were endeavoring to procure steamers to 
l)ring tlie Eastern shore crop of peaches to JJaltimore, but with- 
out success. The present supply comes mostly from the river 
shores and landings on the various creeks emptying into rivers 
leading to the Chesapeake, Avhile the produce of the interior 
mostly takes its Avay to Philadelphia by the Delaware Rail- 
road." 

Let every mai» who lives within five miles of the St. Johns 
river, or ai-iy railroad in Florida, read the above and assign a 
reason, if he can, why these six steamers every day should not 
be leaving Florida instead of Maryland, Why should not the 
shores of our rivers and creeks .afford business for six steamers 
every day ? Would it not pay ? Every iieach sent would sell 
for five or ten cents for a month at least. We have a <lozeu 
fine sorts that would be bearing from June first to July first, 
and as many more tJirough July, August and September ; a half 
dozen that bear in October, and two excellent peaches that 
ripen in November. Thus we have six months during Avhich 
we can be shipping peaches north ; a longer peach season than 
any other State except Texas, by a month. I affirm that the 
profits of the peach crop coming oft' in June and the first half 
of July would equal if not excel that of any crop of oranges 
on record. Consider the benefits of such a commerce to Jack- 
sonville and the Avhole State. The same steamers could carry 
tomatoes, early potatoes, squashes and grapes. The general 
aggregate profits of jjeach growing were shown in the Union 
of July 13th. Suffice it to say, that the man who plants out a 
peach orchard convenient to steamer, will realize a fortune be- 
fore he M'ho i)lants an orange grove can affiard to buy a now hat. 
Both are sure, but the first will get the first prize, if not the 
biggest. Again, when the price of the ripe fruit will not pay 
for shipping, as in the middle of the season, then the peaches 
can be peeled and dried. There are machines now which peel 
the peach like the apple, with great rapidity ; then they are 
simjdy spread out on sheets in the sun and dried the same as 
apples. The profits of drying 2)eaches exceed those of the ripe 
fruit, but the labor is greater. The early peaches sent from 
Savannah bring ten to fourteen dollars per bushel. Those from 
Maryland about four dollars. The price of i)eeled peaches, 
dried, is not less than thirty cents per pound. The whole crop 
can, therefore, always be made profitable. He who derides and 



104 ' 

sneers* at the raising <>f frnit as a small business compared with 
tlie o-rowing of cotton, is stei)ping on his own toes. He reminds 
me of the freshly arrived Irislnnan wlio i)icked up a silver dol- 
lar pn Broadway hut immediately dropjied it, declaring he 
would wait till he got where they Averc thicker. A bale of cot- 
ton is bigger than a peach or orange, but David slew Goliali, 
and a few cargoes of fruit will slay old King Cotton in Florida 
until he is arf dead as Julius Ca'sar. Tlie choicest and largest 
frnit should be planted. A ]»oor peach tree takes u}) just as 
much room as a good one, and it costs justs as much to get the 
fruit to market. A j)oor ]icach M'ill not sell in New York, 
hence it is useless to send them there. Let us to work then, 
and get ready for the steamei"s. Let us show our Baltimore 
friends that we can play at that same game, and matcli them 
too. Progkess. 



We clip the following extract from a letter to Gen. J. F. ]J. 
Marshal, from an army officer, and published in the Massachu- 
setts Plonghman : 

The soil of Florida is generally a light, sandy loam, frequent- 
ly underlaid by, or mixed with clay. It varies from the e.vtreme 
of dry sand, almost pure silica, to the richest hammock and 
bottom land, and in the marshes inexliaustible beds of pure and 
excellent manure. Even the most unpromising pine-barren, 
treated with this fertilizer and ashes, will produce abundantly. 
I speak not from theory, but from experience and observation. 
I know instances where the dryest pine land has been made to 
produce all kinds of garden stuif in abundance, Himply by gener- 
ous manuring and skillful cultivation. Among the sta})le crops 
more specially adapted to Florida, are long staple cotton and 
sugar cane. The latter grows more luxuriantly in tl)is State* 
than in any other. In the Indian Kiver country, and below, it 
grows year after year for six or seven years without replanting. 
I have seen specimens of stalks taken at random from a field on 
Indian Kiver, nearly three inches through near the butt, and 
more than twelve feet tall. In that warm latitude the cam- 
ripens and mellows to the very top joint, so that in grinding 
there is no green juice, and the sugar and syruj» made from it 
are sweeter and richer than any other. The yield of this cane, 
per acre, in this and lower latitudes, is very large. 

But after all is said that can be about tlie conunon field crojis, 
there is anotlier interest, that in my o])inion far surpasses these 
in ])rofit and ])romise, I mean the culture of tlie semi-tro])ical 
fruits, especially oranges and lemons. This I am sure is to be 
the speciality of the State. The whole of the peninsula of 
Florida produces oranges of the best quality, and from the lati- 
tude of New Sn\yrna, southward, a large variety of other fruits 



105 

flourish, such as lemons, Ihues, pineapples, the guava, the date 
palm, bananas, plantains, cocoanuts, as well as peaches, plums, 
grapes, and all kinds of berries. Before coming to Florida I 
never saw a fruit worthy to be called an orange. Until one has 
seen and eaten the Smyrna and Indian River oranges, he has no 
conception of what an orange should be. In size, juiciness, 
sweetness, richness, in every proper characteristic of the orange, 
they are inexpressibly superior to the lifeless, insipid, unsatis- 
factory fruit sold under that name in the northern markets. 

The profit from growing oranges is larger, and realized at a 
less expenditure of money and labor, than that of any other 
crop. The receipts from one acre, properly tended, are so large, 
as to appear almost incredible, until it is subjected to the test of 
experience and calcxilation. An acre Avill projierly hold a hun- 
dred trees. Each one of these when mature — seven years old 
and upward — will bear a yearly crop of, say about fifteen hun- 
dred ox'anges (a low estimate.) These will sell unpicked at two 
dollars a hundred, (they sold last year for three) giving thirty 
dollars per tree, or three thousand dollars per acre gross receipts. 
I have calculated lander the actual crop of well cultivated trees, 
and imder the actual selling price of the unpicked fruit. But 
if any one is incredulous still, let him reduce the crop to one 
thousand, which is a small crop for a healthy tree, and the price 
to one dollar per hundred, and he will still have one thousand 
dollars per acre. Now ten acres, or a thousand trees, is a good 
size grove for one man and a hand or two to take care of it ; 
and from it the fortunate owner would realize an income, (by 
the above calculation) of from ten thousand to thirty thousand 
dollars per year. Let me assure every one that large as this 
may sound, it is no over estimate. But it is necessary to wait 
some time for them. The grove should be set out in August or 
September, and budded the following spring, or set out in the 
spring rains and budded the same summer. In three years from 
the bud, the trees will all be bearing, say only twenty-five 
oranges each. Even that would bring five hundred dollars for 
ten acres. The next year the crop would at least double, bring- 
ing one thousand dollars, and the next more than doubling, and 
so on until its mature crop of tAventy-five hundred oranges. I 
have been told by men in Avhom I have confidence, that trees 
have been known to bear five thousand, six thousand, and in 
one case I have heard of ten thousand oranges. But these, 
though facts, are unusual fiicts, and not proper basis for calcula- 
tion. The fnarket is insatiable and the sale ready. I Avoukl 
urge upon every one coming to Florida to set out at least a 
hundred trees the very first year, if possible, but at any rate 
set some, if only ten. The crop is sure and the tree never dies 
of old age, but on the contrary grows better for every decade 
that it lives. Before the great cold of 1835, "vyhich killed all 
the trees here, there were many over a hundred years old, some 



106 

probably two hundred or three hundred years of age. And it 
is altogether probable tliat they will grow to that age again be- 
fore another sucli extraordinary frost. After the eoM came the 
"insect," but that has disa])peared, and the culture of oranges 
is rapidly recovering its old popularity. Had it not been for 
those two untoward visitations, the cold and the insect, there 
would have been to-day, scarcely room for another tree on the 
St. Johns river. Those who go into it now, will surely reap a 
golden harvest a few years hence. 

I have only spoken of oranges, but lemons do as well, and are 
fully as marketable, to say nothing of i»ineapple, of which an 
acre will bear three or four thousand, and other fruits above 
mentioned. 

I have time only to say a word about the fisheries of Florida. 
Her waters, salt and fresh, swarm with the finest fish. Any 
evening they can be seen leaping out of the water singly in 
s]iort, or bursting nj) in shoals, as they are pursued by sharks. 
Hook and seine are both largely rewarded, and it only needs 
enterprise and capital to make the iishing interest second to no 
other in Florida. 

It is an old saying here, that he who has once drank the wa- 
ter of Florida, never will leave lier. I can testify that there is 
a powerful fascination in her unparalleled salubrity of climate, 
lier moons, such as never shone elsewhere, and even in the very 
favor of her summer sun. And Avhen she shall be filled up with 
a thrifty, industrious, intelligent, law-abiding, and freedom-lov- 
ing jieople, each family sitting under his own vine and fig tree, 
of which, by the way, I have forgotten to speak, though they 
flourish here equal to oranges, then Florida will no longer be a 
terra incognita to the great majority of the American people, but 
will be the srarden of the South. 



FLOIHDA, 

Ihe Better Land — Indium Jiicer — Indian Relics — Pimajiples and Co- 
coanids — 21ie Zand for the Lazy — Duch, Turtles, ^'c — Indian Ruhher 
Trees, Wild Indigo — Ilmting and Hunting Adrenfures — Catching 
Turtle, Sea Fish and Alligators. 

A correspondent of the Xew York World, writing^ from Indian 
lliver, says : In Xorthern Florida, as in most parts of the 
world, there is something left to be desired — "a better land" — 
always to be sought, and yet tantalizing, by continually reced- 
ing from our actual presence, or at least leaving us imperfectly 
satisfied when Ave reach it. With you this land was, and even 
yet is, "the West," some place where men neither toil nor spin, 
cut wood for fuel, or till the earth for food. The country on the 



107 

west side of Indian m^er fuliills almost all these requirements. 
Its temperature is nearly always equable, its air is breezy and 
salubrious, and its waters are clear and abound in fish such as 
the sea-bass, sheepshead, drum, jew fish — which often weighs 
two hundred or three hundred pounds. Immense beds of oys- 
ters are found almost everywhere beneath the waters of the 
river, and may often be seen at low tide, and are the finest in 
the Avorld, being of great size and excellent fiavor. Here innu- 
merable green turtles are easily caught. In the primeval woods 
on the banks are vast gardens of the sour wild orange, the juice 
of which is acrid as vinegar, and when mixed with sugar and 
water makes an excellent beverage that has many tonic quali- 
ties that act as a. preventive or cure to the light fevers of the 
country. The rind of this orange is exceedingl}^ bitter and ar- 
I'omatic, and possess both these qualities in a greater degree 
than the common orange peal of commerce and tlie materia 
medica. These oranges arc to be found in nearly every part of 
the woods, and we often had to clear tlie ground of vast quanti- 
ties of the fruit before we could pitcla our tents. ^\ll these wild 
groves might be assembled into orchards of tlie best lemons, 
limes, or citrons by the easy process of budding. Of course 
this has already been done in many ])laces, and when regular 
and frequent communication is established, as it must be ere 
long, the North will be supplied from Indian river, with oran- 
ges, larger and of more delicate texture than any yet oftered in 
Xorthern markets ; in foct tlie size of some of the best flavored 
would be incredible to your readers. The lemons, also, are 
enormous and of a fine fl-ivor, a piece of one being sufficient to 
fill a large tumbler. Besides the wild oranges, tliere are large 
gardens of the variety known as the "bitter sweet," quite a pal- 
atable fruit, but by no means equal to the ciiltivated variety. 

In the course of our travels we found one large Indian mound 
some twenty feet higli and eighty or ninety feet wide at the 
base, on the Banana river, opposite Lake Canaveral. During 
the last two years, an Englishman, Sir Francis Sykes, has formed 
a large collection of Indian relics from it. Human bones and 
pieces of ancient pottery, sometimes nearly perfect, are readily 
found. It is crowned by a grove of splendid orange trees, fer- 
tilized by the remains beneath, and Avith fruit of the best and 
sweetest quality, although the residents never eat it. 

The guava, pineapple, banana, plantain, and cocoanut are 
easily cultivated and yield rich returns. The Japanese plum 
and some native wild peaches are now ripe ; so are the black- 
berries. The sugar cane grows in perfection, brooming out Avith 
j)Iumes like the silk of Northern corn. The Irish potato is 
ready to be dug now, and the sweet potato can be had fresh 
from its bed at all times of the year ; the orange too, is ready 
for use at all seasons. It is only necessary to jilant the sweet 
potato once. "Weeds are abundant in this new soil, and the 



108 

tops of tlie sweet potato, bent down and covered with tlie sandv 
eartli, take root and yield again enormously. This process can 
l)C repeated indefinitely, so that considering the ease with which 
a needful supply of this fine vegetahlc can be })i-ocured, and also 
the abundance of fish, it is often said, not that it is a Paradise, 
for man "does not live by bread alone," or truly enjoy life mere- 
ly by having an abundance of food in a mild climate, apart 
from opportunities of intellectual intercourse and efforts to 
benefit his fellow-man, but that this is the best lazy man's coun- 
try, for all he needs is a potato patch and a casting net. In my 
former letters I have spoken of the insect having destroyed 
nearly all the orange groves of Florida, some thirty years ago, 
but some of my friends have adopted the plausible theory that 
it is with the orange tree as with cattle, these' insects and trich- 
nx killing only those which are in a poor condition. Conse- 
quently, they give their trees plenty of manure. On the north 
of the Indian river are relics of the old sugar plantations, on 
which enormous quantities of the best sugar were formerly 
made. The industry of the occupants was brought to an un- 
timely end by the Indian war, and the estates have been since 
then abandoned. Pine trees two and tliree feet in diameter may 
be seen growing in the midst of the debris of houses and the 
machinery of sugar mills. Many of these estates are now offer- 
ed for sale, often in large tracts, more suitable for an association 
than for men of moderate means, who usually settle in sparsely 
populated regions. Land on the Indian river can, in many 
places, be had by complying with the homestead act, and still 
better lands, often "hammock," belonging to the State of Flori- 
da, can be had at the minimum })rice of one dollar and twenty- 
five cents an acre. But here, as in many parts of Florida, huge 
areas are often held under old grants from the Sj)aTiish govern- 
ment, and the proprietors are \inwilling to sell unless they can 
sell the whole tract at once, and this they are often willing to 
do at a low price. This keeps away individual settlers, but 
affords many excellent opportunities for land clubs to buy and 
then divide it equally among themselves. 

There are immense quantities* of wild ducks on the rivers, but 
they are shy, and it is difficult to approach near enough to slioot 
them. There is a duck called the raft duck, because it is so 
numerous, coveying together in "whole rafts." There are also 
many other sjjecies of ducks. The pelicans, cormorants and sea 
gulls are here in great force ; their eggs can be had in boat 
loads, and the pelican, little accustomed to be invaded, pays 
little attention to the presence of man. There are many varie- 
ties of turtle, of whicli the "loggerhead" is the largest — often 
weighing four hundred to five hundred jiounds — which gives 
some ])l:uisibility to the theory that animals of this class always 
grow until accident or disease destroys them. "We caught plen- 
tifully and used in pi-oportion, and reveled in turtle stews, turtle 



109 

steaks, turtle 80up, &c.; and the incomparable stews of the In- 
dian river oyster, which grows singly, and not in clusters, as its 
congener at the North. The soft-shell or "leather-backed" tur- 
tle is abundant, its shell being like a piece of leather, and flaps 
over its sides. The bears come down to eat its eggs, and these 
animals can be shot in any number. At Fort Pierre, about four 
miles below Indian River bar, is the turtle "corral" of one of 
my friends, who had about four hundred turtles in it at the time. 
They are fed on sea-grass and on mangrove leaves. Turtle flesh 
fetches here about six cents a pound. They are shipped Xorth 
in considerable quantities. Not long ago there was a large es- 
tablishment here for putting up turtles and oysters, but it Avas 
burnt down lately. No doubt the business could be made as 
profitable as that of canning some of our Florida fruits will 
some time also be, although at present tlie fruits suitable for 
that purpose can scarcely be found to wan-ant the starting of an 
establishment to pay much. Large forests of the mangrove 
abound in the islands and in the shallow places near the shores 
of the inlets. It is found only at the salt water and is about 
forty feet high, with splendid, thick, glossy leaves, like those of 
the magnolia. The india-rubber tree, too, grows freely here, 
with trunks of several feet in diameter. It is a parasite, and 
sometimes its roots do not touch the ground, but merely em- 
brace the roots of other trees, of which the live oak seems to be 
the chief favorite. Indigo, eitlier indigenous or sprung from 
seed brought by early travelers, can be found nearly every- 
where. We found plenty of deer, but the dense scrub rather 
interfered with the pleasure of the chase. "Fire-hunting" on 
horseback is the most agreeable method. The turtle are caught 
in strong nets, but these nets are often torn to pieces by the saw- 
fish when in pursuit of the turtle. This fish is about twenty 
feet in length. The saw is five or six feet long, and is a very 
formidable weapon, filled with teeth resembling those of a cross- 
cut saw. It is a dangerous enemy to be found in the nets be- 
cause it can piei'ce a boat with its saw. The oil from it has a 
peculiar quality, and is much used for guns, whicli are rather 
difticult to keep in good order in our humid and salt-air climate. 
We had an alligator hunt. These animals make holes for them- 
selves near the water and lurk in them. One of the boys in the 
party thrust a hook made for the purpose into one of these holes 
and found he had fastened to something too large for him to 
draw out, so he attached the pole by a rope to a )nule. The ex- 
periment succeeded, as the mule drew better than the alligator 
and pulled it out, but he no sooner saw the monster than sup- 
posing it meant to dine on mule meat, it set off at the top of its 
speed, dragging the alligator after it. Of fisli we had always 
an abundant supply, especially of the sea bass, which weigh 
from ten to thirty pounds. 

Indian river is a long, noble sheet of water precipitating more 



no 

salt than tliat of the ocean. It is about one hundred and fifty 
miles in length, and varies in depth from four to fifteen ^ect. 
Blockade runners during the war used to land their cargoes, 
after entering one of the many of its inlets. T have taken the 
more i)ains to describe this region because few i)robably think 
of our having on the American coast an American Italy, not 
more than nine hundred miles from Xew York, so new and in- 
viting, and so little known or visited. "When some enterprising 
New Yorker has established a good hotel or two down here, its 
genial atniosphere, scenery and ample opportunities for recrea- 
tion on land and water Avill make it a more favorite resort than 
Cuba for consumptive invalids. Of course, the best time to 
visit Indian river is in the winter, when there are few snakes and 
mosquitoes. 



FIM'IT GUOWING IX FLOKIDA— I\TE1IE8TIX(4 EX- 
PEKIEXCE. 

In Sjjuth Germany, where I formerly resided, and from wlienee 
I came some thirty years ago, I had opportunities to ac- 
quire a knowledge of the treatment of gra})e vines and fruit 
trees, employment for which I liad a ])redilection — although fol- 
lowing properly a legal profession. When I first came to Flori- 
da, (where I have resided tlie last twenty-five years,) and after 
seeing difterent parts of the State, I considered the country weji 
adapted to the raising of the finer kinds of fruit, such as grapes, 
oranges, peaches. Arc, the climate being somewhat similar t.- 
that of the southern ))art of France, Spain and of Italy, where 
the same kinds of fruit are raised to perfection. Accordingly, 
some twelve years ago, I began to plant grai)e vines and fruit 
trees on a piece of land three fourths of a mile distant from 
Jacksonville, I ]ilanted vines principally natives of America, 
such as ^^'arren, Isabella, Pauline, Diana, Black .July, Concord, 
Catawba, Urincle, Delaware, and a few foreign sorts. I also 
planted Feach, Apples and a few C)range trees. My cutting> 
and trees I secm-ed from X^ew York, South Carolina, (icorgia, 
and from other difierent sources. 

For the benefit of those interested in the raising of fruits in 
Florida, I Avill now with pleasure give some hints as to my ex- 
perience : 

Son- — The ground where vines and trees are to be planted 
ought not to be so low that water remains standing on it after 
rain ; should the location not be sloping, ditches have to hv 
made to lead ott" the water; on the other hand a location so high 
that it ever keeps dry, is to be avoided. The soil, if not rich 
already, it is to be made so by the use of rotten stable manure, 
then to \k' ploughed two or three times and leveled l>y harrow.- 
or rakes. 



m 

Planting. — The vines ought to be planted ten feet by ten, so 
as to give them a chance to extend. Plant in a hill one vine 
with roots, or two cuttings, the lattx?r in a sloping position with 
two eyes out of the ground; one of the cuttings, the weakest, 
is to be removed the year following. In the first year of start- 
ing the vineyard the soil is to be kept free of weeds. Some 
vegetables can be planted between the rows to advantage, as 
cucumbers, squashes, pumpkins, which cover the ground with 
their vines and keep it moist. 

Choice of Grapes. — All kinds of native grapes will do well 
in Florida, but the following I have foimd best, viz : Concord, 
Delaware, Brincle, Diana, Catawba, Warren, Isabella ; Concord 
and Delaware will be leading grapes. Many new kinds have- 
also made their appearance since, which have to be tried. I did 
not succeed with foreign grapes, except with the black Ham- 
burg, one of the best table fruits, which I had to perfection. 

Tr.KAT.MKXT OF THE ViXEVAKD IX AFTKK YeAUS. The SCCOud 

year after planting, the vines ought to be led on trelises, after 
relieving them of the superfluous branches, say two, should be 
slightly pruned. Pruning has to be performed every winter, 
by cutting otf the ends of the branches, without interfering with 
the best eyes. American vines being of a more vigorous growth 
than those of Europe, and of different habits, will not allow the 
method of short pruning as preferred in Europe. After being- 
cut, the branches have to be tied closely to the trelis. The soil 
lias to be ploughed every winter, or loosened by a two-pronged 
hoe the second year after planting and every year after. Aslies 
of all kinds of wood — best, of oak — have to be used as manure. 
The third year some fruit will appear — about half of a croj). 

Gkxekal RE:\rAnKS. — The raising of fruit trees is more simjtle 
than the raising of gra]>e vines, and wants no particular descri})- 
tion here. How avcU I succeeded in raising fine oranges and 
other fruits, and with my vineyardparticularly, consisting of one 
acre, is known by many in Jacksonville, and the reason of suc- 
cess I attribute in a great measure, to my caution in the choice 
of the many articles, pamphlets and books of the day, as read- 
ing matter, perusing only the best, as many are calculated to 
lead to confusion and to the impression that the cultures in ques- 
tion are difticult and complicated, when they are not really. 
My establishment, with houses, fences, gardens, &c., was de- 
stroyed by fire during the war, after three days figliting on tlie 
sjiot, and no vestige is left of it. J. A. Stot/.. 



THE OCKLAWAHA KEGION, BY H. A. COHLEY, ESQ., 
FORMER PvEGTSTER OF STATE LANDS. 

Among the portions of country in Florida, which, until re- 
cently, had scarcely atti-actcd the attention of the immigrant, 



112 

may be eiuLraced tlie lands adjoining the upper j)art of the 
Ocklawalia Kivcr and the Lakes which supply its waters. This 
country ottered no inducement to any except those engaged in 
raising cattle, or Avhose tastes or former associations caused them 
to prefer tlie isolation of a frontier life. This, however, was nut 
hecause nature had not bestowed upon this region of country 
fertility of soil or salubrity of climate, but was owing entirely 
to the lack of facilities for transporting to market the fruits of 
the soil. 

Prior to 1867, Silver Spring was considered the head of navi- 
gation of the Ocklawaha river, and small steamboats and barges 
plied between that point and Palatka.. The commerce u])(>n the 
portion of the river thus navigated, was not inconsiderable, as 
from Fort 15rooke and Silver Spring Avas shipi)ed a larger <iuan- 
tity of the crops raised in the rich counties of Alachua and 
Marion, and many of the farmers of Sumter and Hernando were 
compelled to haul their products to Silver Spring for shipment. 
The return freight and merchandize came back of course on the 
same route of travel. 

This, the lower or northern part of the river, was by no means 
uninteresting to the tourist or pleasure hunter, or the seeker after 
health. From the mouth of the Ocklawaha, nearly o])]>osite 
Welaka, on the St. Johns river, to the mouth of Silver Spring 
run, almost the entire course of the river is through a dense 
cypress swamp, containing trees of magnificent growth. Cypress 
of large size and sufficiently numerous to furnish shingles for 
years to several States, are intermingled with the Live and AVa- 
ter Oaks, Ash, ]Ma])le, lied Bay, Holly and many other trees, 
while the banks in many places are fringed with fiower-bearing 
shrubs and vines, which a botanist only can classify and name. 
Occasionally a blutt'of considerable height relieves the eye, one 
of which, from its altitude, is called "Forty-Foot lilufi"." This 
swamp, however, which ajipears interminable, and indeed be- 
comes monotonous after a day's travel, is not very wide and is 
bordered by high lands. On the eastern side will t)ccasionally 
be found a skirt of excellent hammock, but the land generally 
towards the St. Sohns river, consists o- a dense scrub, imsettled 
and bari'cn. On the west, however, the swamj) yields to pine 
lands of various grades and excellent hammock. 

A few miles above Fort IJrooke is the mouth of Orange Creek. 
This creek is the outlet of Orange Lake, in Clarion and Alachua 
counties, a lake Avhose name is derived from the extensive i)range 
groves upon its banks, and which is generally conceded to be 
<me of the most beautiful sheets of water in Florida. On the 
creek, a few miles from its mouth, is Orange Spring, the most 
celebrated of all the sulphur springs of Florida for its medicinal 
l)roperties. 

lint the most* attractive )K»int on the Ocklawaha river to a 
stranger or traveler, is Silver Spring. This spring is in Clarion 



113 

.'omity, about six miles from Ocala — a river risini>* suddenly 
Irom tiie ground — and after running a course of about nine 
miles, empties into the Oeklawaha. The waters ol this spring- 
are so clear and transparent that any minute object which can 
l;»e seen a few feet in the open air, can be as easily distinguished 
at the bottom of the spring, a depth of about thirty-five feet. 
On a clear, calm day, the effect jn-oduced by the reflection of 
light from the objects at the bottom, together with the refrac- 
tion of the rays, is truly beautiful. Ever the same in loveliness, 
and ever changing in hues, it presents a scene which none but 
a poet can properly describe, and which those Avho have not 
witnessed, cannot realize even fronf a poet's description. It has 
often been said, and not imreasonably too, that this was the 
"Fountain of Youth" of Avhichthe Indians spoke, and for A\hich 
the Spanish hero sought so long. 

This point, as before stated, was, until 1807, the head of navi- 
gation on the Ocklawaha. For many years, resolutions had 
l)cen occasionally adopted by the Legislature with a view of re- 
moving the obstructions to the navigation of the upjier part ol 
the river, but the matter was not seriously considered princijjal- 
ly for the .reason that the pixblic mind Avas mainly directed to 
Ilailroad schemes to the neglect of every other kind of internal 
improvement. In the fall of 18G7, Mr. Hubbard L. Hart, of 
Palatka, made an arrangement with the Trustees of the Internal 
Improvement Fund, authorizing him to remove the obstructions 
from said river, from Silver Spring to the Lakes, and immediate- 
ly entered upon the work. 

From Silver Spring run, nearly to Cow Ford, a distance of 
fifteen or eighteen miles, the obstructions co)isisted of such as 
would naturally be found in a river running through a cypress 
swamp, i. e., siuiken logs, fallen trees and overhanging limbs, 
but upon approaching the Lakes a new and peculiar difiiculty 
presented itself in the shape of floating Islands. After leaving 
C'ow Ford, the swamp disappears, and the course of the river is 
through a Saw Grass marsh oi" prairie, at present overflowed by 
tlie waters of the ri\'cr. This marsh or]n-airic is from less than 
lialf a mile to more than two miles in width, and is bordered 
generally either by pine lands or hammock. This entire strip 
.ip])ears once to have been part of an immense lake, of which 
Lakes Grifiin and Eustis constituted portions. In many places 
the water flags are very abundant, and these, upon examination, 
it will be found that the soil upon which thej' grow is not at- 
tached to the Ijottom of the river, but that the water flows un- 
derneath their foundation. These Avere evidently floating 
islands, which have by means of roots, tfcc, become netted to 
the main land. The floating islands are formed sometimes in 
the river and sometimes in the lakes, Avhence they are carried 
into the river by the winds and currents. Sometimes the bon- 
iiot roots are detached from the bottom and rising to the surface 



114 

eventually form an island by attracting and gathering the float- 
ing grass and mud, hut usually a considerable portion of the 
soil becomes suddeidy detaclied from the bottom by some cause 
now unknown, and rises to the surface and is soon covered by a 
rank growth of flags or careless Aveed. At the time Mr. Hart 
commenced his work, these islands had accumulated in the up- 
per part of the river to such an extent that the surface was en- 
tirely closed up and in many places no appearance of a channel 
could be perceived. The depth of this part of the i-iver, liow- 
ever, permitted the waters to And its way under this accumula- 
tion of earth and grass, but it may readily be conceived that a 
few years delay in opening navigation Avould have forced tla- 
waters of the lakes to seek their channel through the Withla- 
choochee river, into the Gulf of Mexico. Many of these islands 
had to be cut in pieces with a cross-cut saw before they could 
be removed from the channel. These islands have been remov- 
ed and staked, so that now they present but little obstruction t<> 
navigation, and in a short time none but tliose recently formed 
will cause any difliculty. So that now, small steamboats run 
regularly from Palatka to Lake (Iriflin, and thence to Lake 
Eustis, thence through the Narrows to Lake Harris, thence up 
the Ocklawaha river to Lake ])uidnim, on whose margin standi 
the little village of Ocklawaha, the present head of Ocklawaha 
navigation. 

Lake Griflin is about nine miles in length and rather narrow. 
North-east of the lake the country mainly consists ot prairie or 
saw grass marsh, interspersed witli rich hammock islands. The 
other sides of the lake embrace flne hammocks with wild orange 
groves and ])ine Inntls, well timbered, and of various grades of 
soil. Lake Eustis lies al)out five or six miles to the east of Laki- 
Griflin, and is a smalkr but more beautiful body of water. 
There are some excellent pine lands on this lake, and north-east 
of it is the flourishing settlement of Fort Mason, but the greater 
portion of the adjoining lands are of inferior quality. This 
lake is generally designated on the maps as Lake Hanson or 
Lake Hawkins. North of this lake lies Buck Lake, (according 
to the maps, Lake Yale or Lake Yulee,) but between them there 
is no water navigation. After leaving Lake Eustis by the pres- 
ent course of navigation, you })ass through a wide and deep 
channel, called "The Narrows," and enter Lake Harris. This 
lake lies about one mile south-west of Lake Eustis, and about 
the same distance south of Lake (4riifln. Lake Harris is desig- 
nated upon all the maps as Lake Eustis. Its extreme length is 
about fourteen miles and its Avidth in some places about seven 
miles. A very considerable jjortion of this lake is bordered 
Avith hammocks of the best (juality. Li thesouth-Avest corner of 
Lake Harris empties the OcklaAvaha river, passing up aaIucIi a 
fcAV miles brings you to Lake Dunham, a small lake situated in 
the south-east part of OcklaAvaha swamp. This sAvamp extend* 



115 

from Adamsville on the west and Lakes Deaton and Ocklawaha 
on the north-west to Lake Harris, being a body of land about 
nine miles in length and three or fom- in width, consisting of a 
commingling of swamp and wet prairie, interspersed with the 
richest quality of hammock. The most of this body of land 
can be reclaimed if the internal improvements now contempla- 
ted for connecting the waters of the Ocklawaha and .Withla- 
eoocliee should be carried out. 

BetAveen Lake Griffin and Lake Harris is the village of Lecs- 
bm-g, now in its infancy, but by act of the Legislature it is now 
made the county site of Sumter county, and substantial im- 
jjrovements may soon be expected. Ocklawaha, situated on 
Lake Dunham, at the head of navigation, has also been built 
since the year 1867, but is an important trading point for the 
citizens in the Southern ])art of Sumter county and in parts of 
Hernando and Polk. Its importance in tliis respect will proba- 
bly be maintained by reason of its geographical position, even 
though the navigation of these waters should be further extend- 
ed. Since the opening of navigation, the country has been 
rapidly settling, and those seeking a home .in Florida almost in- 
variably have their attention called to the "OcklaAvaha country.'" 
When the first boat entered Lake Hariis there was but one s'et- 
tler on the south side. A year afterwards, at least a dozen had 
settled or were making arrangements to do so. 

LTpon going up the narrows from Lake Eustis, the boats 
leave the Ocklawaha proper, as this source of that river is the 
Apopka, a very large lake, about five miles south-east of Lake 
Harris. Thence the stream flows through a nari-ow cliannelinto 
Lake Dora, and thence into Lake Eustis. These chaniicls are 
not yet navigable, but the Legislature has passed an act au- 
thorizing a company to connect said lakes with ].ake Eustis. A 
pail of the work has already been accomplished by Mr. Hart, 
who has carried one of his boats Avithin about sixty yards of 
where the navigation is unobstructed into Lake Dora. The 
coimtry adjacent to Lake Apopka is one of the finest in Flori- 
da, both with respect to soil and climate, and when the naviga- 
tion is opened to that lake, the immigration there will doubtless 
be great. 

Another project, authorized by said act of tlie legislature, is 
the opening of a canal between Lakes Griffin and ILarris. Al- 
though these lakes are not more than a mile and a half apart, 
yet the distance around from the Leesburg landing by the river 
and lakes is between thirty and forty miles, and a canal would 
thus materially shorten the distance to OcklaAvaha. It would 
also give a shorter and more easily navigated channel to Lake 
Eustis than by the meanderings of the Ocklawaha, 

But by far the most important improvement proposed by the 
Company is the opening of a navigable communication from 
Lake Harris to Lake Panasoftka, and thence down the "SVithla- 



lie 

ooochce river to tlie Gulf ol" Mexico, tluiKConnectiiii^ T>y canals 
und navigable streams the Avaters of the Gulf with those of the 
Atlantic. 

Lake Harris is situated upon the dividing ridge or "back- 
bone" between the Gulf and the Atlantic, for in the time of high 
waters the lake does not as usual run through tlie Xarrows into 
Lake Eustis and thence down the Ocklawaha, but divides itself, 
a part of the Avaters running westward! y through Lake Dun- 
tiam and OcklaAvaha swamp into a channel em))tying into Lake 
Panasoifka. The company })ropose to "make this communication 
permanent and navigable by digging a canal between the lakes, 
a distance of twelve or fifteen miles, and rcmo\ ing the obstruc- 
tions to the navigation of the "NVithlacoochee river, into which 
river the Panasoffka discharges itself. The effect of this im- 
provement, in a commercial point of view, will be highly advan- 
tageous to the whole State, and will be greatly beneficial to the 
local interests of the adjacent country. It will render easily re- 
claimed the greater jiart of the OcklaAvaha swamj> and the rich 
Innds lying between the "VVithlacoochee river and Lake Chalo- 
Apoi)ka, known as "The Cove," and when we take into consid- 
eration that any railroad built from the northern portion of the 
State to Tami»a or Charlotte Harbor must cross said canal be- 
tAveen Lakes Harris and Panasoff ka, it is reasonable to suppose 
that the point of intersection Avill be a place of commercial im- 
portance. At all events, the facilities for travel and transporta- 
tion will be all that a settler could reasonably desire. 

The soil is well adapted to the growth of long stai)le cotton, 
corn, sugar-cane, sweet jiotatoes, all vegetables that do well in 
the South, and tro])ical and semi-tropical fruits. The cotton 
grown near the Ocklawaha lakes is a supei-ior grade of Florida 
cotton. The sugar and syrup is of the best (]u:dity when pro- 
perly made; and sweet i)otatoes flourish the year i-ound. The 
• 'xperiments with vegetables have been upon an exceedingly 
limited scale, but successful Avhenever made. Granges, bananas 
and guavas do finely. With respect to the tro})ical fi'uits, but 
little is known positively, but it is hard to imagine what iliffi- 
.'ulty can exist on these laiuls which will not be found elsewhere 
in a similar climate. Nearly every hammock has one or more 
wild orange groves, from which stock can be obtained for build- 
ing a sweet grove. 

The climate also is faxorable. The wild fig grows around 
Lake Harris, its northern limit, a fruit of which it has been said 
that it never grows above the frost line. This, however, is not 
strictly correct, for there is s»)me frost on that lake nearly every 
winter. On Christmas, 1808, and the day ))revious, there was a 
heavy freeze upon these lakes, sufficient to injure the young 
buds'ui)on the orange trees and to kill the banana leaves, but 
there was no serious injury done to either fruit. This is said to 
have been the coldest weather known since the great frost of 



117 

1835. As a general think the weather in tlie wmter is not 
severe enougli to injure the tenderest plants. 

The average quality of tlie lands iji this section of the State 
is good. Like the rest of East and South Florida, the pine 
lands predominate. Some of these are of good quality witli-, 
respect to soil, and many of them not of the best quality, could 
be made so, having a fomidation of lime or clay upon which t< 
place manure. South of Lake Harris and west of Lake Apop- 
ka, some miles from either lake, commences a ridge of high san«l 
hills covered with pine and wire grass, which may be considered 
perfectly barren, but such land constitutes but a small portion 
of the country. There are also scattered through the country 
what are .called prairies, but are more properly savannas. Many 
of these could be drained with less expense and labor than it 
would take to clear and grub a like qiiantity of hanmiock land, 
and the soil of most of tliem is as rich as land can be made. 
The swamps are not generally very extensive except the Ockla- 
waha, and they aftbrd the finest cypress in the Avorld. The 
hammock lands are usually densely wooded, but of great fertii- 
ty. The soil is of the character known as "gray hammock," 
and some of them, after cultivation, seem to have more sand 
than is consistent with richness. Many planters accustomed t«» 
stift' clay lands would, upon first view, pronounce worthless some 
of the best cultivated lands. But these lands prodiice Avell and 
last Avell without manure. It is probable that an analysis of the 
soil would show that "all is not sand that glistens." 

With respect to health, this portion of Florida is as desirabh* 
as any other ]»art of the State where the lands are fit for culti- 
vation. Where the subsoil is lime and the water used is from 
wells impregnated with rotten lime stone, chills and fever neces- 
sarily prevail. The use of cisterns would remove this disad- 
vantage. Where the wells aftbrd pure water, the inhabitants 
are cjeneralh' healthv. 



LETTEKS FKOM "PROGRESS." 

A series of letters, OA'er the signature of "Progress," was 
pul)lished in the Jacksonville Union, and attracted a good deal 
of inquiry di;ring the year I86T, and they are inserted, as giv- 
ing the views of one himself engaged in fn^it growing, as to the 
peculiar adaptability of East Florida to the raising of fruit and 
vegetables, and to the letters are added a few extracts from cur- 
rent neAvsjtapers, of possible interest to those looking to Florid, -^ 
for their future home. 

FiUTiT Gkowixg. — It is a mistaken but prevalent opinion that 
apjdes will not groAV in Florida. They have been grown at 
Fernandina and near Jacksonville. In the interior thev Avill 



118 

probably always fail, but near the coast in north-cast Florida 
they may be grown successfully. It is necessary, however, to 
obtain southern varieties, or trees acclimated in a southern nur- 
sery. V. J. Berckmans, at Augusta, Ga., has the best nursery 
and can supply all kinds of fruit at lowest rates. Send stamp 
for his catalogue. Early Harvest and Wed Astrachan ripen 
here on June 1st, and are the two best a])ples for this climate. 
Red June is also good. Standard trees three years old Avitli 
large tops cost twenty-five cents and bear in two or three yeai'S. 
The same varieties dwarfed on Paradise stock, -will bear the next 
year, and are best suited to inland i»arts of the State. They 
will succeed where standards fail, will bear from a peck to a half 
bushel of fruit and are highly ornamontal set six feet apart 
along a walk oi* garden border. A bushel of clay, leached ashes 
and slaked lime with woods earth should be Y>'orked m around 
the roots of each tree. Use no green or strong manure. Va- 
rieties that do not ripen before our rainy season commences will 
[•robably rot and fall from the tree. Hence tlie ill success that 
lias attended many trials heretofore. The verj- earliest varieties 
in all kinds of fruit should always be selected for hot climates. 
Lato fruiting sorts seldom do Avell, and this remark applies 
e<{ually Mcll to most vegetables, melons, squashes, tomatoes, etc. 
The early kinds may be made still earlier by saving the seed to 
plant next year from that fruit or melon which is first to ripen • 
this year. A little sacrifice this year will l)ring in large profits 
next year. The fruitfulness and early bearing of melons, 
squashes, cucumbers and all vines, may be much increased by 
eonstantiy pinching off the ends of the vines. Tt is the first 
fruit in the market that brings the most money, and by attend- 
ing to these two above named points, producers will find their 
profits doubled. Apricot trees grow well. The same difficulty 
is experienced as with the apple, i. e. earh' sorts must be planted. 
Karly Golden, Earl}^ Peach and Moorp:irk will succeed grafted 
on native peach stocks. This is one of the most beautiful and 
lelicious of fruits and should be found in every garden. 

The plum might be grown with great profit in this part of 
Florida and slii|)])ed to Xew Vork ahead of any other portion of 
our country. Wild plum trees are found scattered thickly over 
most hammock lands. They should every oue bo carefully 
n-ansplanted in the winter and then grafted with the l>radshaw, 
Princes early (4age, or Lawrence Favorite. Trees of these va- 
rieties can be got from the nursery and scions for grafting cut 
from them. There are plum trees no\T growing in Jacksonville 
which have yielded two bushels of handsome })lums at one crop. 
The Morocco and Lombard are the two best ]»lums for general 
cultivation. Clingstones do better here than freestones, and no 
tree recpiires more care and attention to give good returns than 
:he plum. A half jteck of salt scattered unrler each tree in 
early spring will cnsuiv health and fruit. 



119 

Wild cherry trees of most noble size and iappearance, bearing 
immense crops of small sour cherries are abundant throughout 
Florida. All attempts to domesticate here the tame cherry- 
have failed. Birds and the sun destroys them. I think, how- 
ever, that the Early Richmond would succeed. It should have 
a trial, so nobly has it done in the West. Puoguess. 

FituiT Growixg — Beruiks. — The Mulberry is perfectly at 
liome in Florida, the largest and best kinds growing everywhere 
with no attention ; but silk culture will never be successful until 
fruit is so plenty as to cheapen the expense of living to a par 
with tliat in Italy, Turkey and China, where a man's daily food 
can be bought for eight cents. Tlie huckleberry abounds in 
Florida. Hundreds of bushels could annually be picked wild 
in the Avoods and shipped to SaAannah and Charleston at a 
])r6lit, before they ripen in those vicinities. .Vll attempts to 
cultivate the hucklebeivry have been given uj) in disgust. 80 
plentifully do they grow wild that any expense bestowed upon 
their growth will fail to give satisfactory returns. They gen- 
erally command twenty-iive cents a quart in Jacksonville at 
first, but soon fall until they bring only one dollar and a half 
per bushel. The northern gooseberry, cranberry and currant 
do not succeed. There is a berry that flourishes in most ham- 
mocks known as the gooseberry. It is as large as the luickle- 
Iterry, is black, has the flavor of the northern gooseberry, and 
to my notion, eats as well; making nice pies or sauce and a flue 
jam. It grows on bushes from two to foiu-teen feet high and 
i)ears profusely, often half a peck from a bush. It can l>e pro- 
jiagated by cuttings of the top or root and imder garden culti- 
vation probably might be made to equal the northern gooseber- 
ry in size. The running blackberry or dewberry is indigenous, 
covering old lields with its vines. The Jacksonville market is 
always glutted with them in their season. The high bush black- 
l)erry caji be found growijig plentifully along the banks of the 
rreeks and runs of northern Florida, and often around deserted 
buildings and fields. 

I have fruited the Lawton the past season in Duval county. 
It did Avell, but needs moist ground. Low hammocks and re- 
claimed swamps seem best suited for it in this climate. On 
•-uch lands it will, under cultivation, yield one to two hujidred 
bushels per acre. JShipped to Xcav York in four days, they 
would bring fifty cents per quart Ijy the bushel, equal to $1600 
per acre. I have repeatedly seen them sell in Xew ^'ork for 
one dollar per quart. Tliey bear shipment avcU and should be 
extensively cultivated. The raspberry does poorly and will fail 
to repay cultivation, drying up and rotting Avhen only half ripe. 
The straAvberry is easily cultivated and bears abundant crops 
in northern Florida. Mr. Young, the ferryman, formerly had 
four thousand plants in bearing. He marketed his l)erries in 
Jacksonville at fifty cents per quart. Variety, the Wilson's 



150 

Albany. Tlity }>ai(l wl-U. Mr. C. D, Oak lias tlirec thousaiul 
plants of AVilson's Albany in bearing two miles soiitli of Jack- 
sonville. His j)lants, set la>t November, have yielded a good 
crop this season, ripening on the middle of March and selling 
at seventy-five cents per <|uart for all he conld supjjly. Dr. 
Sanborn, two iniles east f>f Jacksonville, has several thousand> 
plants of ditt'erent varieties. They were set out the first day oi 
March on low, moist land, in liills eighteen inches apart and 
rows three feet apart, and heavily nudched with pine straw. 
Itipe berries were gathered the last day of 3[arch. The vine> 
iiave borne plentifully up to this time and are still blossoming 
and bearing. The Agriculturist ami Joeunda do well. The 
Brooklyn scarlet liad hardly a berry. The Triomjih de Gantl 
bore a small crop; does not do so well on our sandy soil, evi- 
dently needing clay or a heavy loam. Clay mixed in the hill 
had a good effect. Frencli's seedling is earlier and bears well. 
Wilson's Albany yields largely and large berries. It is decidedly 
the best berry for tliis latitude, llovey's seedling keeps in bear- 
ing all summer till December. Large quantities of most ad- 
mirable land for the strawberi-y lie along the railroad between 
Jacksonville and Fernandina, especially in Xassau county. 
This land put into strawbei-ry plantations, would yield an im- 
mense income to the growers. The berries could be shi))ped by 
railroad to Jacksonville or Fernandina and thence to Savannah 
or Charleston in twenty-four liours. With a direct line of fast 
steamers the ])rofits woidd be doubled in New York. Last 
A})ril, in the middle of our crop here, a few hot house berries 
were selling in New York at six dollars per quart, and the larger 
ones from ten to twenty-five cents apiece. J. Lusk, Esq., of 
Oakland, Cal., has eighty acres in one plantation, on fifteen 
acres of which, he last year raised serenteen tons of l)erries. 
Walter Sigerson, of St. Louis, has grown two thousand dollars 
worth from onv acre. Andrew S. Fuller, author of the Straw- 
berry Culturist, grows four hundred bushels from an acre. Rex. 
J. Knox', of Pittsburg, Pa., has fitly acres of strawberrie> in 
cultivation and gets three himdred bushels per acre by skilful 
culture, selling them at twelve dollars por bushel. Five hun- 
dred acres of strawberries are grown at the town of Ilammond- 
ton, N. J. (-)nc hundred bushels are easily obtained, with fair 
cultivation, from one acre, but counting only fifty bushels at 
fifty cents per (juart, we have eight hundred dcdlars per acre 
income, len acres would give eight thousand dollars, of Avhicli 
fi\ e thousand dollars may be counted as a sure, safe and annual 
l)rofit. Sixty-eight bushels was the average yield per aCre last 
year in West Jersey. A cargo of berries arriving in New York 
the last of March would command an almost fabulous sum. 
They are sent five Inmdred miles by rail in the northern states, 
]iacked in cases of four large shallow drawers sitting one upoi; 
the other, each holding one half bushel, anil arrive in good or- 



121 

r 

der. Any one can make the casesr. Tliey do equally well fov 
all berries, plums, ttc. Phookess. 

Florida Apples, Szv. — Mr, Cheney : Several skeptical per- 
sons have taken your contributor "Progress" to task, because 
he asserted that apples could be easily grown in Florida, and 
that they had been grown. I hereby present you with a few 
specimens q^ the Shockley apples, on the branch, as pulled from 
the tree, July 14th, one mile below Jacksonville, on the place 
owned by Dr. T. F. Perley. The ])lace is now under the care 
of Mr. Asa Pomeroy, who was with Dr. Perley from 1853 t<.> 
1860, since which time he has had entire charge of it. There 
are twenty-iire sweet orai*e trees in bearing ; fifteen Florida 
lemon ; three Sicily lemon ; thirty-five peach trees ; eight supe- 
rior fig trees, noAv bearing their second crop this year, the first 
wa^ ripe early in June ; twelve quince trees, in fruit ; numerou> 
n^iegranate ; fourteen apple trees ; four pear trees ; a fine catal- 
■^a and other shade trees. The early apples are now all gone. 
Six trees are yet in bearing, having a half peck"^ or so, of apples 
upon each. The Shockley ripens last of September, keeps with 
*^Ye until next spring. The fourteen trees are all young and 
vhave ha^ no pruning for several years. One apj^le I present 
you is scA'cn and three-quarter inches in circumference and two 
^Ljjtt a half inches in diameter, yet only half grown. The tree 
'irom which it Avas taken, is only two inches in diameter at the 
ground. They ripened well last year, and are a fine eating ap- 
ple. The pear trees all bore fruit and ripened some of it last 
y^ar; this year the rainy season set in so early, they fell to the 
ground. The}' are an early pear and should have been picked 
off and ripened in the house, the proper Avay with all pears. 

I ate some as fine freestone peaches from trees twenty years 
old as are often met with north, shoAving the great longevity of 
the peach tree here, and the peculiar fitness of our climate fov 
this fruit. The trees are all well loaded and have not been 
known to miss a crop. One peach tree eight years old "^^■a^ 
eight inches in diameter, single trunk, and nmst of had at least 
five bushels o^ fruit on it. Mr. Pomeroy, and his obliging son, 
Benjamin, "vWll take pleasure in showing visitors over the place. 
Visitors from the north will do well to see it. 

Some parties have inquired whether or no you were going t<> 
make the Liiioii an agricultural paper. Florida needs an agri- 
cultural paper of some kind, and more agricultural population. 
I would suggest setting apart a portion of your paper to the 
interests of the planter, gardener and fruit grower, and whatev- 
er little assistance "Progress" can render towards making in in- 
structive and interesting will be cheerfully given with the hope 
that others will help keep the ball rolling. Pji0(;ukss. 

FruiT Culture. -^The nectarine is only a smooth-skined ^a- 
riety of the peach, but more beautiful. It "flourishes well wher- 



1-2-2 

t'vcr tlu- peach Avill ripen, and tlieivf'ure may be considered a 
■standard fruit in Florida. Those now in market here are not a 
fair sample of this fruit, as both it and the peacli are almost en- 
tirely grown as seedlings here. Choice budded fruit is being 
planted, and good sliip))ing facilities will soon stimulate a better 
taste as to varieties of this and many other fruits. Let all 
those who contemplate augmenting their orchards this coming 
winter, procure good known varieties of trees from a reliable 
nursery, or scions for grafting and budding, and not rest satis- 
ried with the small uncertain fruit of trees grown from seed. 
Old and barren trees, or those producing ])oor jieaches, necta- 
rines or plums should bo sawed off near the ground this sum- 
mer, the sprout budded this lull, September or October, and 
next summer a new bearing tree will be had. Stones of peaches 
may be planted, after cracked, this summer, now, and the young 
trees be large enough to bud in October with either peach, nec- 
tarine or plum buds. An orchard of 10,000 trees may thus bg 
started this yea^r and without, comparatively, any expense. Be 
cautious in jirocuring northern grown trees, as most of such 
ripen tlieir fruit so late that our Florida sun and rain ruin the 
fruit, lioth nectarines and j)eaches may be grown on the same 
tree by budding with the different buds. Tlie Boston nectarine, 
one of the best, grew originally from a i)each stone. Both fruits 
have been grown side by side on the same twig. Elruge, Early 
\'iolet and Hunt's Tawney arc excellent varieties of the necta- 
rine. This fruit and the peach are not so subject to the yellows, 
etc., here as in most of the northern states. 

The lig is a low spreading tree perfectly at home in Florida. 
Single trees are growing in this country forty-two inches in cir- 
cumterence, twenty feet high, bearing bushels of delicious fruit. 
Fig trees will avei'age a bushel of fruit each. Planted ten feet 
ai>art and pruned to a close head, we will have four hundred and 
thirty-live trees on an acre, yielding lour hundred and thirty- 
tive bushels of gi-een fruit, and four hundred when dried. A 
bushel of dried figs weighs, loos.', forty pounds, thus giving 16,- 
000 pounds per acre. This is about the yield in Morocco and 
Turkey. Let us set it at 10,000 pounds and muTtiply by twen- 
ty — the present wholesale price of common figs in New York — 
and we have ^2,000 per acre ; place one-half of this aside for 
'Xpenses, contingencies, losses, &c., and we find that even then 
we have a large profit of $1,000 per acre. An orchard of fifty 
acres would thus realiz.e $.50,000— a fortune at once. Really, it 
is no wonder that the Turks are an indolent race. But can we 
do as much in Florida? I see no reason why not, uidess we are 
la/.ier than the lazy Turk. Our fig trees now hang full of fruit. 
They never fail of a crop. There" is always a market for thera, 
at any time of the year in the northern cities. Tlie V>etter 
juality sell at twenty-five and tliirty cents per pound. What 
then stands in the way of one making a source of great profit ? 



123 

Surely we have as mudi skill as the "unlettered Turk." Our 
trees yield as well, their market is ours. We need some expe- 
rienced, enterprising partners to first lead tlie way. There 
would then be no lack of followers. Many of our figs are too 
small to drjr profitably. The Alicante is a very large fig, large 
as an apple or goose egg, ripens early and the crops are abun- 
dant ; it is good for drying and has a fine flavor. This and the 
Brown Turkey should be mostly grown. The white Marseilles 
and Celestial are two small for market drying. The Black 
Xaples or Genoa fig with the Alicante and Brown Turkey are 
tliree lar^e, £jood fishes for dryinsr or eatino; srreen. Trees can be 
got at the nurseries in Georgia of any or all these varieties. 
Cuttings twelve inches long, put in the ground in January, will 
make good bearing trees the next year, A. large orchard is 
tlius made in an hours time. The fruit in Turkey is shaken 
from the tree on to a large sheet every morning, after the dew 
is off", then piit into baskets and lowered for fifteen to thirty 
minutes into a vat of warm — not boiling lye, made from ashes 
of the limbs of fig trees, or for three to five minutes in boiling 
lye. It is there considered essential that the lye be made from 
the ashes of the fig tree only, and old trees are constantly cut 
down and burned for that purpose, being replaced by young 
trees from the private nursery. From experiments of jny own, 
I cannot perceive any marked diiference in the results between 
the use of fig tree ashes and that from live oak. It should be 
very strong lie ; enough to expose the half of an egg floating on 
its surface. A can of Babbit's caustic potash, used in making 
soap, may be dissolved in sufficient water to float an 'i^^^ as 
above, and the figs immersed for two minutes in that, scalding 
h©t. .Vfter the lye bath, wljich softens the skin, removes the 
bitter white sap and acts to preserve the fruit fi'om decay, the 
tigs are plunged into clear water a moment, and tlien removed 
fromtlie baskets on to hurdles of palm wood and dried in the 
sun. They are in tlie baskets from tlie time of gathej-ing till 
found upon the hurdles. In two or three days thej'" ai-e taken 
and pressed by liand into flags, drums, boxes, etc. Sugar is 
never used. The flg exudes its own sugar as it dries. The 
hurdles can be made of the long stems of the dwarf palmetto 
leaves tacked on pine frames two and a lialf by six feet, "^rhese 
raiist be put imder cover every night and Avhen raining. It re- 
quires practice to know when the figs are dry enough to pack 
well. They should not be so dry but what they can be pressed 
tirmly and closely together. If not verj'^ compact, they will 
spoil. Look out for a large fly that stings tlie fruit when dry- 
ing and produces a worm, A small drying house is useful on 
this account, drying tlie figs in twenty-four hours,, i-eady for 
packing, I will describe one in a future article. Packing boxes 
should be made of oak, gum or hickory ; pine will not answer. 
The tio'hter tlie boxes the better. Thev should be uniform, and 



124 

hold about ten pouml."^. Tlie Urown Turkey i^^ identical witii 
the large blue or purple tig common in Florida. The catalogue 
of Prince's Nursery. Flushing, N. Y., mentions about forty va- 
rieties of the tig. The London catalogue mentions seventy-tive 
varieties. In Europe the trees are set oidy eight feet apart. 
Eight crops in a year have been obtained by bending the liml)- 
ver}- low and tight. Pi;«>(;rks>. 

Fkiit Crr.TUitK — Mkj.ons. — Among the fruits of Avarm cli- 
mates, tlie 3Ielou is justly regarded equal to any other for deli- 
cious richness of Hesh and refreshing juice. It is a tropical 
iruit, originally from Central Asia. It cannot 1)c groAvn with 
any great success north of the latitude of New York city. 
^ ery good fruit, however, is grown in a few favored localities 
farther north, but to a very limited extent. It is an annual 
fruit or vine, but it is so easily raised and so i)roliiic that im- 
mense quantities are yearly sold in our large cities. It is rather 
a farm than a garden fnut, being grown in large fields where 
land is chea}) and transportation frequent. In Egypt, upon tlie 
Nile, there are miles of them, most fragrant varieties of musk, 
or cucumis melo, filling the air with their delightful perfume. 
The ^Mussulman, directed by his Koran, venerates this fruit, cul- 
tivates and eats it Avith religious fervor, as an aphrodisiac use- 
ful to him on earth and in his future heaven. Tliis a])hrodisiac 
properly belongs exclusively to the Musk jMelon family. The 
\\ ater JMelon has a contrary tendency, and its cooling juice acts 
as a most excellent febrifuge in all high fevers andmay begiveii 
the sick Avith perfect safety aiul great benefit, ]irovided the fruit 
is ripe. Unri.2)e melons produce tropical fevers, chills an<l fever, 
ttc, as surely as the ripe fruit allays them. In some ])arts of 
the jNlississippi A'alley melon seeds are peeled and the inside — 
cotyledons — are eaten as a certain cure for ague and fever. Ii; 
Florida, the melon needs no forcing, \mder glass, as vro have no 
competition or section able to competQ Avith us in early melons. 
For a fcAV early melons, however, it is desirable to take out the 
bottom of a shallow box and jilage in it some large i>ieces of 
turf, bottom side up. Pake these, or loosen the dirt upon them, 
sprinkle on some fine composted manure, soav the seeds evenly, 
about thiee inches apart, cover Avith more rich soil and manure, 
then sjirinkle Avith Avater and cover the box Avith a Aviiidow sasli. 
^^ hen the plants have made their second leaves, remove to their 
]ilace in the field l)y cutting the turf through bet Aveen the i)lanis 
Avith a knife, having each ])lant thus firmly set in a s(|uare lump 
of tui-f, Avhich should 1)e placed in a large hole previously pre- 
])ared and manure»l. S<piashes, Cucumbers, Tomatoes, etc., may 
be started early on inverted tin-f in the same Avay, or Avith the 
turf in opcMi air, and safely transplanted. The plants keep on 
groAving, not receiving any check by their removal, as their 
roots are not yet exposed or disturbed. Do not ]ilant tAvo va- 
lietics Avithin less than (me hundred feet of each other, or ol 



12.5 

squashes, cucumbers or gourds, else tlic melons will mix or have 
a squash form and flavor, or he insipid. Their ripening is has- 
tened several days hy putting a shingle painted black, under 
<ach melon. In Egypt, large flocks of pigeons are kept pur- 
posely for their dung, -which is regarded as the best, fertilizer, 
jiroduchig enormous melons, sometimes four feet in length and 
weighing fifty pounds. On the island of Cyi)rus millions of the 
musk melon are amnially grown, forming 1V)0(1 for all classes. 
The melon is a fruit easily and safely shipped, bearing a week's 
voyage at sea, in ordinary weather without showing any signs 
of decay, the musk melon being shii)ped a little green, while 
water melons go better the riper they are. 

^Ir. Peter Henderson, in his new aiul very valuable book on 
"(Tardening for Profit," says: "JJut it is in the vicinity of our 
Southern cities, where avc have regular steamboat communica- 
tion, that melons can be grown at a high rate of profit to the 
cultivator. Water melons grown in the vicinity of Charleston, 
in July of this year — 1806 — were sold b)^ the thousand, in New- 
York, at '^1 each ; while those grown in South Jersey, in Au- 
gust or September, Avere a drug at 15 and 25 cents. Mr. Hen- 
derson is the most eminent and skilful gardener in America, 
and his Avords should not fail to prove a profitable hint to many 
a settler upon the St. Johns river. 

A regular standard line to New "^'ork is now a- settled thing. 
Prepare for large planting next year. Save seeds of tomatoes, 
squashes, melons and cucumbers, and plant out many acres of 
each. We can take the money two weeks ahead of Charleston. 
The stronger the fertilizer, the earlier and larger^ will be the 
melons. Hen manure, one large spoonful in a hill, has a won- 
derful effect ; but if you wish me to tell you a secret, use privy 
manure; notliing can equal its prodigious forcing powers, Mr. 
Van llipler, of IJergen county, N. .1., from three and one-eighth 
acres, gathered 1,000 barrels of marketable melons, which 
brought -'ii<I,(iOs. Expense of cultivation, sending to market, 
commission, etc., t}>5G0.50, leaving a net profitof ^1,047. oo. Ten 
acres would give a net profit of !5;;3,000. Unmarketable melons 
are good food for poultry and liogs. 

W. J. Parmentier, Esq., obtained from five acres of his poor- 
est sandy soil 0,040 large water melons, some weighing thirty 
pounds each. They were not planted till the 10th of June, and 
received but little care. At one dollar a piece this wouhl give 
o\er one thousand dollars per "acre. 

The "Gardeners' Monthly," page 285, mentions a market gar- 
dener, in southern Indiana, who has 1,700 acres jdanted in wa- 
ter melons for the Cinciimati, St. Louis and Chicago markets. 
The w'ater melon makes a most beautiful honey, like syrup, su- 
perior for preserving all kinds of fruit. On the same page, a 
correspondent states he mashed the core of the melons in a tub, 
expressed the juice in a i>'ack by hand, boil it down in copper — 



126 

not iron — kettles, and oLtained from one acre eighteen barrels 
of most beautiful syrup, ■vvhicli sold for four hundred and forty- 
six dollars. The syrup is very thick and will keep sweet in the 
hottest weather. 

The melon trade of Baltimore is immense. Over one Imndred 
schooners are now employed in this trade. The melons are 
gathered irom dift'erent towns on the Chesapeake Ixiy and taken 
direct to New York, averaging a tri]) a week. It is estimated 
by those who transport tliem, says the Sim, that the weekly re- 
ceipts are about three hundred thousand water melons and one 
hundred and seventy-five thousand cantalopes or musk melons. 
Of musk melons, tlie Green Citron is the leading market varie- 
ty, usually quoted as 'Citron' in the market reports. Tlie Nut- 
meg is also a fine fniit, but not so productive as the Citron. 
The Persian Ispahan is large and very delicious. 

The more netted a musk melon is, the better its quality. Of 
water melons, the Mountain 82)rout is the leading market sort 
in NcAV York. Skin dark green, red fieshed, excellent. The 
Black Spanisli, round, mcdimn, red flesh, sweet. Orange, skin 
peels, red fiesh, but coai-se grained, sweet, inferior to others. 
There are many fine varieties peculiar to Florida that Avoidd sell 
at liigli jjrices in nortliern cities. Some grown at Charlotte 
Harbor are huge specimens and sweet as honey in the honey 
comb. O, ye who cultivate the 'paternal acres' I fail not to 
plant the swefet scented, the cool, refreshing, health-giving 
melon. ' Pkogkkss. 

Fiturr CuLTUKE. — Yery few persons are aAvare of the im- 
mense profits of Grape grooving and the (piick profits that are 
made by it, especially when wine making is combined with the 
production and sale of the ripe fruit. Along the Ohio river, 
near Cincinnati, are liundreds of vineyards whose proprietors 
realize an annual income of five hundred to two thousand dol- 
laiN per acre. Two or three acres keep a large family in funds 
and allow the owner to ride in his carriage like a lord. Nicho- 
las Longworth, the first vine grower in that section, died worth 
nearly tv.'O millions of dollars. Iii Misouri and s-outhern Flori- 
da much attentions is being \)au\ to this branch oi horticulture. 
Around lakes Erie and ^lichigan large vineyaids are being 
yearly established, and land that five years ago was looked upon 
as worthless is now sold for two hundred dollai's per acre with- 
out any improvements iipon it. In California vast fortunes are 
made in producing grapes and wiue, and that State is undoubt- 
edly the best adapted to grape culture of any portion of tlie 
Union. Its remoteness from the more thickly settled }>arts of 
our country, and the great ex])ense there necessary to irrigate 
the land, there being no rain at all during the hot summer, are 
great objections. 

In Florida we liave a land admirably situated and well adap- 
ted for grape growing. Convenient to the great Northern 



markets, and -with a climate similar to Italy, the home of the 
\'ine, it is a shame and disgrace to ns if we alk>AV the cold bleak 
hills and prairies of tlie North and West to excel us in the pro-- 
dnction of the grape and wine, fruit believed by the ancients to 
be the special delight and subsistence of the gods. 

It is nonsensical and absurd to assert t}iat the scheme is im- 
practicable ; that grapes will not do well here ; that thej^ cannot 
be grown. Because this man or that man, inex2)erienced in the 
business, once planted a few vines and thej died or failed to 
pi-oduce many grapes, is no reason that we should refuse to 
plant more. The vines may not have been of the right kind or 
not planted in the right situation. It is not every vine that will 
grow in any one place. Kinds that will do well in New York 
do not do equally well in California, and kinds of grapes that 
do well in Missouri and Ohio, fail in New York. Again, oi\c 
man's farm may be eminently fitted for grape growing and his 
vines yield tons of grajDes while- his next neighbor may have 
land that cannot be mide to bear a bushel. The soifbest suited 
to the grape is not very plenty, and the best locations, or pro- 
per ones, lor a vineyard, are scarcer yet. As a general thing, 
land that produces the wild grape vine is good land for culti- 
vated varieties. Thus we see that most of our hammock land 
is excellent for grapes, being more or less densely occupied with 
the wild vine. Thousands of bushels of wild grapes are annu- 
ally gathered and eaten from the St. John's hammocks, while 
acres of a large, sweet wild variety, I am assured by Mr. Christy, 
of the limes, ripen untouched near the Railroad, but a few 
miles from this city. There are two or three flourishing vine- 
yards planted in Mississippi, planted out on pine land, but large 
quantities of marl were used in setting the vines, and as I have 
never seen any Avild vines groAving at any considerable distance 
in the pine woods, I cannot recommend planting vines in siich 
land. Moderately high and fresh hammock land should be se- 
lected and plov/ed as deeply as possible ; then set out your vines 
8 feet by 8, and 680 will occupy an acre. 

About six weeks ago I visited the vineyard planted by Dr. 
Ambler, on Mr. George Stone's place, opposite this city. The 
vines had mostly made good growth and promised exceedingly 
well. They Avere purchased of Parsons & Co., Nurserymen, 
Flushing, N. Y. The Delaware vines had not done as well as 
the .others, being small and young vines. The Dianas sui-passed 
all others in every respect. They were trained to stakes six 
feet high, and each vine had six or eight bunches of delicious 
grapes. The bimches were large and compact ; the berricB 
large and without any sign of rot or mildew. No one that has 
tasted this grape Avill ever want to raise the Scuppernoag. The 
Herbemont bore large bunches but many of the berries were 
rotten. The other varieties had not ripened any Iruit. The 
lona appeared to good advantage and will do well. I have a 



128 

young vino of my own, lona, tliat has i;ro\vn tliirty Ibt-t this 
year aiul is still givwing. ■ 

]Mr, J. A. Stotz, of this city, fonufily had ono thousaiul one 
Inindred hearing vines on one acre, a mile from town. His prin- 
cipal variety w»s the Isabella, a grape now seldom eaten as it is 
surpassed hy a score of.others. He raised twelve crops of these 
grapes; iive crops of Concord. He says the Concord grape is 
a s]>lendid grape, and l»etter here than in the North. I agree 
with him. I would reconnneiul the planting of Concord and 
Diana vines in eipial ()uantities, and only a few of other kinds. 
His experience warrants him in ad\ ising not to plant so near 
together. He Avonld jnit only about six hundred vines on an 
acre. Those persons thinking to plant grape vines should con- 
>;ult him and also visit Dr. ^Vmbk^'s vineyard, ^h: Kichard 
Cole, who has the charge of the latter, -will give much additional 
information which I have not time nor room liere to mention. 
The common Scuppernong is a good vine for arbors or trellis, 
but is not adai)ted for vineyard culture, not bearing any close 
i»runing. ^fr. John Chase, on Keddy's Point, obtained thirty 
dollars worth of Scuppernong grapes from one vine this sum- 
mer. The Scupi)crnong is ripe September 1st, Diana, August 
1st, and Concord about July 1st. I bought my vines of (x, E. 
Meissner, Kiehmond, Staten Island, X. Y., at a cost of ten to 
fifteen cents a i)iece. Send for his price list. A vine four years 
old will yield ten pouiidsof grapes, which will sell in Xew York 
tor twenty cents per ]>ound, and OSO vines would thus give G,800 
' pounds and ^1,:>0(:. This is a low estimate. ^Tost of vineyards 
North yield four tons or eight thousand p<ninds per :vre ; often 
six and seven tons. The culture is hardly more laboriou-^ than 
that of oranges, and the income is immediate, as the vines may 
l)e bought three years ohl and then they bear the next year. 
They should be set out in November or December if ])ossible. 
Packed in live pound boxes, or boxes holding about four (juarts, 
they will cany any distance and bear a three week's journey. 
Dr. Underbill, of Canton Point, New York, has shipped tons of 
tnem to England, and the profits were much greater than on 
those sold in this country. Six acres are easily attended by 
one man, and the income would be an average of five thousand 
dollars yearly. ^Vhe^l the gra])es are made into Avine, the Avine 
sells at from fifteen to thirty dollars per dozen bottles. An 
acre of grai)es, if manufactured into wine, would sell for two 
thou>^and dollars when three years old. As much as eiglit 
thousand dollars has been obtained for the )>rod»U'e of a single 
aci'C in Ohit^, sold as bottled wine. 

The Diana grai)e dries into a most excellent swei't raisin. 
Nothing is necessary but to let the grapes hang on the vine till 
tlicy begin to shrivel. They may then hv gathered and dried 
>ni a low roof or a board floor laid in the vineyard : or tliey may 
Ite left hanging on the vine till they are dried enough to ])ack. 



I '2 9 

Most ol" ilu' iinjiorieJ raisins are made from ;j;i'apos that are 
dipped in strong hot lye and then laid on the bare ground to 
dry. The Diana needs no dipping. I have eaten most delicious 
raisins in Missouri made of this grape. Large quantities were 
formerly made there from the Catawba grape by tlie lye bath. 
The Diana makes by far the best raisin. Two tons of raisins 
may be had from an acre, and would at four dollars per box of 
-Lwenty-tiAe pounds, the present wholesale rate, give six hundred 
and forty dollars per acre; and ten acres five thousand dollars 
above expenses. 

Mr. Henry Wilson, of Patterson, Xew Jersey, has bought a 
jiiace near Hardy'i^ Mill, one mile from town, and has procured 
live thousand Concord vines and intends te obtain as many 
1.)iana8 to plant out this coming winter. Several otliers have 
signified to me their intention to come down here and go to 
grape growing. The great hindrance to many is the want of 
"that steamboat," but I am positively assured that one Avill be 
put on. Dot the banks of the St. Jolms with vineyards and 
steamers will be plenty. Let every one plant out grape vines ; 
the more vines the better ; and don't wait for your neighbor, or 
the man from Michigan. Pkogkess. 

Fkuit Culture. — Li the peach we have a fruit pre-eminently 
southern. And now, O, reader ! let me tell you privately, that 
n this fruit you are interested ; Florida is interested ; there is 
lioney in it. The Xew York iSim figures up the amount spent 
for fruit in that city, last year, as follows : Apples, >?2,500,000; 
-;.>ears, ^100,000 ; grapes, .1>25,000 ; peaches, $2^000,000 ; berries, 
^3^0,000; melons, oranges, lemons, nuts, |], 200,000 ; making a 
:otal expenditure of $6,205,000 annually for fruit. There is 
something in the above items of great significance to the peo- 
\<lo <jf Florida. 

At least •$2,000,000 of t])is su)n should come to our State, to 
pay for oranges, poaches, melons, grapes, and nuts which wc 
ca}i raise better than any other gortion of our country. Tliat 
it is decidedly profitable to grow peaches in the cold sections of 
the n orth, the following facts will shoAv : C. L. Iloag, of Lock- 
port, X. Y., states that fifty to sixty tons were shipped d.aily 
last season from, that county, bringing eight and nine dollars 
per bushel. Mr. Quimby, of Mendon, from twenty-five years 
<\xperience, found that a warm, dry, sandy soil Avas the best. 
Mr. Davis, of Medina, during four crops from an acre and three- 
-burths had sold $2,sOO worth, Mr. Fenimoi*e, near Odessa, 
DelaAvare, cleared on peaches alone from his tarm in 1855, 
1^20,000, and in 18^6, ^28,000. An adjoining peach farm of one 
"i.undred and fifty-one acres sold last winter for $30,000, the pur- 
•^^haser being oft'ered two thousand dollars advance a few days 

.after. A gentleman near Middletown, Del., in the spring of 
last year, oftVred his farm for one thousand five hundred dollars 

.'.i.nd failed to <ell, T)i the summer he was ofiV-rcd live tljoiT'iind 



130 

dollars and refused it. Last fall he sold his peach crop for sis 
dollars per bushel and cleared nine thousand dollars, T. G. 
Veomans, of New York, gathered two hundred and seventy 
bushels of line ])eaches from one acre of six year old trees. 
The New York Journal of Commerce, of August, 'i860, estimated 
tjiat about three thousand eight hundred boxes of peaches ar- 
rived during the season from Savannah and realized live dollars 
per box of three-fourths bushel. 

Peaches in Florida ripen two weeks before the Savannah fruit. 
F'ine peaches were selling at ]Mr. Damiani's, in Jacksonville, on 
June 14th, for twenty-five cents per dozen ; the same peaches, 
if in XcAv York city at that time, would have retailed at twen- 
ty-five cents apiece, and will now. Mr. John Chase, on Keddy's 
Point, has sixty-five peach trees loaded with fruit, a part now 
ripe, which, with direct sliipping facilities, would yield hhn a 
year's support. lie is intending to plant largely of the peacii 
this fall, and has one of tlie finest locations for fruit in the coun- 
ty, as is shown by his cro]> of citrons, many measuring sixteen 
inches in circumference at this early season. A Cayenne pepper 
tree, three years old, large round as one's wrist and big enough 
to climb into, shows tlie freedom from frost this place possesses, 
this pepper being known at the north only as a small annual 
plant. The peach is grown so abundantly in the interior coun- 
ties that they are fed to fatten hogs. There is no home market 
in Florida. I am assiu'cd, however, by perfectly reliable and 
responsible bushiess men, that a good steam vessel will positive- 
ly and certainly commence her regular trips between this city 
and New York Avithin ninety days. This should encourage us 
to }>lant fruit trees largely. Cotton and sugar require great an- 
nual labor. Fruit does not. The "Gardener's Monthly" men- 
tions a peach orchard on the eastern shore of ]Mai*yland, that 
contains six hundred acres, the net profit of which was last 
year forty thousand dollar:^, and that the owner is offered sixty 
thousand for the croj) tliis year, "the purchaser to pick the fruit 
and take it to market." The Messrs. Keybold of northern ])el- 
aware, A\ere the largest peach growers in this country. "They 
j)lanted thousands of acres all of grafted fruit. Public roads 
ran for miles tlirough tlieir orchards. They freighted steam and 
sailing vessels to all the Atlantic ports and the St. Lawrence. 
The size of their trees and their enornu)us crops astonished all 
who visited them." Those orcliards have failed. Xot a peach 
do they now bear. Surely and slowly is the line o^ the peach 
growing district coming southward. In a few years peaches, 
like oranges, will only be j»roduced in quantity and perfection 
in Florida. Now is the time to plant our orchards. It is a fruit 
easily and cheaply transported. Picked a little hard, it may 
with safety be ship])ed to England, if desired, water transpor- 
tation being so preferable to rail. A special train runs daily 
throuirh tlie whole leuuth oi" Delaware and Xew Jersev during 



131 

the peach season, carrying only this fruit. This and tie C. & 
A. K. R. carried to New York in 1804 the amount of 803,180 
baskets. The peach in this climate delights in a warm exposure 
with clay near the surface, say two to six feet below. Mr. 
Chase applied some old rotten bricks and plastering to two of 
his trees with maryalous eft'ect. Nassau county has the reputa- 
tion of producing the finest peaches in the State. The clay 
there lies near the sm-face. Large tracts of land in that county 
are admirably suited to the peach, and can be bought for almost 
the cost of the deed, compared with the price of similar lands 
in Delaware and Maryland. There is an abundance of good 
peach land on the St. Johns also, but at a higher price than that 
on the railroad. Peach orchards ten miles from the riyer or 
railroad are Avorth nothing. Think of carting even a thousand 
bushels that distance ! and a July sun I 

Persons at a distance can address inquiries to the editor of the 
Florida Union, Jacksonville, and I know he will gladly give any 
information about lands in this vicinity, althougli he may not 
thank me for thus, increasing his herculean labors. . 

Save all the peach stones you can get this summer. Crack 
them on the side edge and plant the meats immediately in boxes. 
When grown two inches high, transplant carefully to nurserj'^ 
rows in open ground. When a foot high bud with some good 
variety, and <luring winter set out in proper places. Or save 
the stones, crack and plant in March. Get Hale's Early, Ame- 
lia, Columbia, Crawford's Early, Stump the World, and Yellow 
Rareripe. They are all excellent. 

And now, finally, O, patient reader, plant peach trees. If 
you have none, plant the stones. If you have no land, buj'^ 
some; beg some; but plant, O, plant. Pkogress. 

Fruit CuLTUEK ix Florida. — Notwithstanding the heavy 
influx of strangers to Florida the past season, estimated at 25,- 
000, there are indications that Ave shall be visited by a much 
greater number next Avinter. The large majority of these are 
men of intelligence and enterprise, possessed of moderate means, 
desirous of purchasing from ten to one hundred acres where 
they can cultivate fruit, improve an impaired constitution and 
secure a home beneath our genial skies. Every s icceeding year 
will bring an increaseri number of this class of immigrants. 
To them, Ave should extend CA^ery aid and encouragement within 
our poAver, as upon their success AA'ill depend, in a great measure, 
the future wealth, prosperity and importance of our city and 
State. 

There is no reason why the northern cities should not in » 
fcAV years derive from Florida those supplies of fruit and vege- 
tables AA'hich they now obtain from Jersey, Delaware and the 
peninsula of Virginia. Over seventy steamboats and sailing 
vessels are constantly employed in carrying fruit and vegetables 
to New York alone. During the peach season, one grower in 



lo2 

Jersey kept three snmll sieamboats busy, shipping 60,000 bask- 
ets, of one-half bushel each, from one orchard. Tliose peach 
orchards have failed; last year's ci-op did not pay for the ship- 
ping. A special train carrying straAvberries exclusively, is run 
daily during the season, front Cairo to Chicago, thi-ec hundred 
and fifty miles, fourteen schooners at one time lay loading 
with oranges at ISt. Augustine. With the shores of the mag- 
nificent St. Johns crowded foi* one hundred mile-> with beautiful 
villas, surrounded with extensive groves of oranges, lemon and 
citron, orchards bending down with the luscious peach and su- 
gary fig, vineyards hanging lieavy with their rich clusters of 
nectarean fruit, while the more southern portions of our State 
contribute other tropical fruits, we may realize a commerce and 
wealth that now seems but a chimera. The eastern and more 
healthful and beautiful portion of Florida consists chiefiy of 
uoor lands — too poor for the continued profitable production of 
such exhaustive crops as cotton, tobacco, sugar and corn, except 
In small lots ; but contains an abundance of muck in the form of 
marsh, river and pond mud of the richest character, distributed 
t;o plentifully that hardly an eighty acre tract can be found b\it 
has a deposit suflicient to manure the neighboring lands for a 
cjntury. Hundreds of worn 3ut fields maybe seen in this part 
of Florida which have been made to yield sickly and diminutive 
'Tops of c^otton and corn for twenty-five to forty yeajs without 
a particle of manure, while immense quantities of tlie best fer- 
tilizin*'- material lay nntouchcd along the adjoining creeks and 
livers, \^y using these natural deposits comjtosted with what 
ai?imal manure, ashes, bones, &c., may be made on the place, 
the best of vegetables may be grown and all the fruit that may 
be desired. Large farming will thus eventually be laid aside be- 
cause, first, fruit "growing is more profitable; one acre in fiiiit 
paying as much })rofit as ten acres in cotton, id. It docs not 
necessitate so much capital nor labor. 4th. The business is 
oleasanter and allows of more otium cum (h'gndate mider the pres- 
ent state of our country. 

The great and staring need at the present time, is population. 
That is coming as fast, perhaps, as it can. Nearly ti ft y fruit 
growers and market gardeners around the eastern cities have 
already signified their intention to come and look. Many others 
will come from the West. Wo must divide our lands with them. 
Wc need railroads, canals, steamships, cities, towns and villages. 
To get these the people who are to support aud build them 
must first be aecommodated. We must be willing to sell and 
;i.t a fair price. Very many jtersons do not remember that the 
improvements matle by a neighbor upon land sold him, en- 
hances the value of the remainder to a nearly equal extent. 
After population we need direct steam communicati(»n Avith 
New York. This is abolutely necessary to the prosperity of 
.la'-ksouville and of the tVuii growers aiul gardeners up<«ii the 



130 

rivor. At* long as wo play second fiddle to Savannah aud 
Charleston, just so long will we remain an insignificant borough. 
It was the steamship that made these citiesr With a line of 
ocean steamships leaving the St. Johns regularly, and making 
_ up full freights at other ports north of here until our own is 
sufficient, running through to New York, planter^* in the inte- 
rior will see to their interests, and railroads terminating in this 
city will be projected all over the State. Unless the men of 
Jacksonville are on the alert and do soon take hold of this mat- 
ter in earnest, Fernandina will have her steamships running, 
immigration will settle around that city ; all Florida, from 
Tampa to Tallahassee, will ship through it, and after our najj 
we will awake to discover ourselves playing the aforesaid fiddle 
to the little town of Fernandina. PitoouEs.s. 

Shall wje Live oit Die ? — Some men seem to be Stoics by 
nature, others educate themselves to be such. They regard 
everything as existing or as liappening by necessity, and look 
upon their own condition and that of their State and country 
as unavoidable, aud not to be altered or imjn'oved by any act 
of .theirs, except as a positive decree of Fate or Fortune. They 
are indiflerent and careless as to all around them. If in danger 
of shipwreck, they make no effort to save themselves, aud if 
drowning, they let the plank float by, for if they are to bo 
saved they will be saved, and if they are not to be saved it 
will then be of no use to seize the ])lank. 

Have we such men among us ? If so, our public and private 
interests demand that they awake from their hallucinations and 
be made to act their part in the drama of life. The future 
greatness and wealth of Jacksonville and East Florida depends 
upon the course of action which the people of this section may 
presently adopt and pursue. As we now live we can never be- 
come great nor wealthy. Railroads are but a small aid to us. 
Our cotton and sugar aiul other concentrated products might 
reach a market by rail, but it is not by these that Me are to in - 
crease our population or acquire wealth. We must depend 
mostly upon the fruits and vegetables, so easily grown in this 
climate, and so peculiarly adapted for small farming. Our lands 
are ample along the St. Johns to accommodate ten thousand 
market gardeners and fruit growers, who would expend an 
average of one hundred dollars yearly iii Jacksonville, or a total 
of one million of dollars. The additional business this expei: - 
ditxire Avould create, and the labor it would keep employed, to- 
gether with the receiving and exportation of immense quanti- 
ties of produce raised and the furnishing of necessary supplies, 
would speedily act to build up a large city, and as the pi'oducer 
accumulates wealth and independence, we could at the sam" 
time double our money many times over, aud enjoy all the ben- 
efits of an old and thickly settled State. It is of no possible 
use to reckon on the old svstem of fnrmiiiij as ever to be ;» 



134 

uieaii8 ol" eroding a rieli ami prosj>eru\is Statv out of Florida. 
The time has jtassed. Wo must follow tlie course of the other 
Atlantic States, betake ourselves more to fruit and srardening, 
and let the great West raise the heavier jtroducts. We have 
every advantage in position and climate over the States to the 
north of us, and nothing but supinene*s and lethargy can keep 
MS from realizing a great and glorious future ; one that we can 
look upon with pride as being ourselves humble instruments in 
its accom|tlishment. That we may thus largely increase our 
population and wealth, wc must greatly enlarge our market 
facilities, both here and at home aiul with the North. These 
perishable products, grown for the northern markets, cannot be 
transported thither by rail, nor, with rare exceptions, by sailing 
vessels. Nor will these })roducts endure much handling or de- 
lay. The business men of Jacksonville are taking hold of this 
matter in good earnest, as may be seen by reference to the pro- 
ceedings of the IJoard of Trade, but there are few who are yet 
lukewarm, and for whose benetit I will review some of the ad 
vantages of the proposed steamship direct to Xew York. It 
will give us cheaper and (|uicker communication than that now 
existing, and none of the trouble, expense, delay and loss iiici- 
dent ujion transhipping and connecting, both as to baggage, 
freight aiul passengers. It will enable our farmers to cultivate 
tenfold the area they otherwise would. It will furnish us a sure 
market for every kind of produce. It will serve to greatly 
uugment o\ir po|nilatiou, cause new cities and towns to spring 
up, and all the concomitants of civilizati»^)n and refinement tc 
be multiplied in every direction. It will, through this eidarged 
po]»ulation, increase the business and income of every merchant, 
manufacturer, doctor, minister, lawyer, and laborer, v.hite or 
inack, in this part of Florida. It will help Florida to take one 
great step onward towards what may be considered her mani- 
fest destiny, to become the Eden of America. 

Every man, women and child has, therefore, an interest in 
the sucfcssful establishment of a direct line of steamships, and 
no twenty-tive cent ])arsimonv should be allowed to keep us in 
our present l{i]>-\ an-Winkle condition. We must not stand 
listless as to wliether the tide ebbs or flows, caring nothing 
whether we sink or swim, but use our every and greatest en- 
deavor to promote the general and individual good. The Avhole 
city and country should be alive to this enterprise. 

Tiie steamboat and rail car must precede the peojde. It is, 
and always has been so. See the long iion arms stretching out all 
over the tuighty western plains, feeling for people and business. 
Hut the cjuestion will arise as to whether we can keep the steam- 
boat running, or in other words, Avhether it will pay. 

This is easily answeied by examining tlic facts patent before 
us. Allowing two thousand single trij^s only, by passengers, 
at twenty-five dollars, Avould amount to lif\y thousand dollars. 



135 

Probably the aniount thus received Avould be double this esti- 
mate. A large part of the flour, corn, hay, gi'oceries, and first 
<;ias8 freight would be shipped on her, and the quantity that 
comes here is enormous. Cotton, sugar, syrup, tfec, "would fur- 
nisli the out cargoes from Xovember to March. In March we 
could send new peas, beans, potatoes, and so through April all 
kinds of fresh vegetables. In May and June early squashes, 
tomatoes, peas, &c., by thousands of bushels, millions of mel- 
ons, black and huckleberries, grapes, peaches, tfec, without end. 
With the knowledge of a direct steamer running, there is no 
setting bounds to the quantities of truck, fruit and stuff that 
would be grown. The steamer tliat first enters the business 
and adheres to it, is bound to reap immense profits. The deter- 
mination to run a steamer should be made known as soon as de- 
cided. Tliousands of men throughout the North are ^waiting 
the advertisement of a direct steamer before they will remove 
here and invest their means. Let us secure the steamer, and 
the thrifty farmers will follow close. We can easily support 
one steamer, and, in a short time, three or four. It is really a 
matter of life and deatli as to our prosperity. Let no man 
stand aloof Pkogri:s8. 



Fruit Culture. — Probably no fruit, e^cceptiug the orange, 
presents such a beautiful and ornamental appearance, hanging 
::pon the tree, as the quince. Its rich golden color and delight- 
ful fragrance makes it a favorite Avith fruit growers, whilst its 
delicate and indescribablj^ delicious flavor wins the admiration 
with the cook. The fruit is grown throughout northern Florida 
with the greatest ease. But with this as with all other fruits, 
there exists a miserable and reprehensible practice of rushing 
every thing to market in an unripe, half-grown condition. 
When the fruit eating public will learn to discriminate between 
a green, sour, or insipid fruit and a ripe, sweet, lucious or 
healthful one, and not ]>ay twice as much for the former, because 
it is the first in the market, as for the latter, then Avill honest 
fruit growers take hope ; doctors and undertakers will begin to 
revolve other schemes of gain ; the Avhole mental, moral and 
physical man Avill take a stride far in advance of the grosser 
t!esh-eating natures. Fruit Avas man's first food, and, Avhen ripe, 
';s still his best. The (piince does not like too much exposure, 
but does best Avhen planted close in an orchard of this or other 
fruits. Moist, but not wet, hammocks suit best. They should 
he headed into a thick bush-like form in this climate. Planted 
ten feet apart they Avill yield four hundred bushels per acre, 
shipped eai-ly to New ^"ork, they Avould bring from four to eight 
dollars j;er bushel, or sixteen hundred dollars per acre. The 
apple quince is most prolific, yet the Portugal does exceedingly 
well on our sandy soil. Tlie pear quince is the handsomest 



juoht fragruat ami bot davored. Upon flie (juinee 5«tock ii+ 
i^cucrally grafted tko pear. This makes the pear tree a dwaif, 
but renders it earlier in bearing; generally in two years. It 
would seem that if the quince does well iti Florida, the dwarf 
pear .should also ; but the pear being a more soft and tender fruit, 
the excessive moisture cracks the fruit before ripe, and it drops. 
The foliage is also quite subject to blight, which checks the 
growth of the pear. Last summer nearly all the pear trees in 
southern and eastern Georgia were injured in this way and 
many of them died. In England, where tlie climate more nearly 
approaches our own than does that of the northern States, the 
pear is most extensively grown as a dwarf grafted upon thr 
common haw or hawthorn. It bears equally well upon this 
stock, and equally good fruit. Several persons havu fruited the 
pear upon the haw in this State. The gentleman above Man- 
darin had three trees grafted upon the wild hawthorn without 
transplanting and obtained good crops. Two of them are still 
bearing. i\Ir. Christy of the Florida Tiines, has se\ eral trees oi 
the haw in a Nourishing condition, some of which, wc are told, 
have borne fruit. 

In the north it is only in certain localities that the }»oar is a 
sure crop, in South Carolina and Mississippi it succeeds finely. 
For Florida the very earliest ripening varieties, grafted on tlie 
liawthorn, should be obtained from some southern nursery and 
be well manured, Avhen set ant, with old mcII rotten manure, 
bones, *fcc. It >vill surely fail when not well manured. A fine 
fruit like this, always commanding the very highest of prices, 
from twelve, to twenty dollars per ban-el, will m ell repay any 
cost or care that may be bestowed upon it. 

The 'pomorjirmate flourishes in Florida. Both s^eet and su'- 
acid varieties. The fruit i« shaped like a quince or i»ear and is 
highly relished by some persons on account of its rich refresh- 
ing jucc. The fruit suspended by the stem from the ceiling of 
a room hardens its rind and this preserves for months its tine 
flavor, Tlie bush or tree with it'-^ beautiful blossoms, or pend- 
ant fruit is decidedlv ornamental. 



Gi.vvA. — Fedeirl l*oin(,,Tuly JO, 1807. — Fditur J'/ori(hi Unior. 
Dear Sir: — I notice in the la>t few numbers of your weleoun* 
sheet, sketches on the culti\ ation of fruit, jiarticularly the or- 
ange and peach, and I think in this connettiou tlie guava de- 
serves a little notice. It is a fruit, as yet but little known, but. 
where it has been introduced, it is mucli prized. What little 
experience I have had with the fruit, it takes the ])refer<.nce to 
orange, lemon or peach, flrstly, because it is much easier raised, 
requiring no attention, except planting and cultivating the 
ground around it. It will begin to bear the second year from 
cuttings and is a great bearer, prodticing more fruit than thcr 
orange or [icacli. Secondly, the fruit i-iuiore valuable than ar.^ 



other ii'uit x-aised in this climate. The jelly is celeLrated for its 
remarkable richness all over the -world, and' commands the high- 
est price of anything in the shape of jelly. The fruit has sold 
readily here for years past from thirty-seven to fifty cents pet- 
dozen, with a much greater demand than could be supplied. 

Any information in regard to soil, or the cultivatioii of tfi.^ 
guava, will be cheerfully given on application to 

J. C. FOLSOM. 



Tomato Sked.^Xow is the time to save it for next year. 
Cut oft' a slice from the smooth side, or bottom of the tomato 
so as to expose the seed cavities. Then clasp it and squeeze out 
the seed into a tin can or pan. A half peck of tomatoes will 
give ten thousand seeds. Set the can away and let the seeds 
ferment, alter which pour in some water, stir briskly, and the 
seeds will settle to the bottom when the refuse matter may 
be poixred oft' and seeds put to dry in the sun. These directions 
are valuable, for the seed are troublesome to save otherwise, 
and a few know the altove method. 



Thistles. — Among the innumerable resources Avhieli iliv 
boimteous climate of Florida will oft'erto reconstructed and pro- 
gressive agriculture, the thistle claims a special notice. 

No sand-hill is so dry, no beach is so weather beaten. u(> 
dung is so moveable as to prevent thistles to grow and blossoiti 
in royal beauty imder the parching sun and amidst the blasts 
of tempe«!ts. 

The thistle, named by botanist Cardo Cam}»estris, has always 
been used in the manutacture of broad-cloth and blankets; it 
grows only in Avarm countries ; its prices are reranuerative ; thi' 
demand for it is steady and will constantly increase. 

The United States woolen factories import all their thistle- 
from the south of France at about Si 50,000 per hundred pouiids. 
One acre being sowed broad cast Avill yield 700 to 1000 pounds, 
and last se\en years, it requires no cultivation and hardly any 
trouble except cutting down, trimming and sorting. The wo- 
men and children of fi'eedmen can easilv take care of that crop. 

A. M. 



Magxipick-NT Fkuit.^Iu B. Cram, Esq., of this city, wLo 
is in correspondence, on l>ehalf of the Board of Trade, witli 
Jacob Lorrillard Esq., of New York, relative to the establisli- 
nient of a line of steamers, has sent, as a present to that gentle- 
men, some splendid specimens of oranges and lemons, — sam- 
ples of Avhat Florida can raise. In the collection we noticed :■ 
small branch on which grew seven lemons. Six of these lemons 
averaged thirteen inches in circumference and the whole weigli- 



138 

ihI just sc'Vt'u iioiuuls. They were raised on Mr. M. L. Pliilijjs' 
])lace, two miles from Jacksonville, — uj> the river. Uall' a dozen 
oranges Avere measured and averaged also thirteen inches in 
circimiference, Avhile on one sprig, closely clustered eleven smal- 
ler oranges of the China variety. The oranges Avere raided up- 
on ^fr. Wm. Christopher's jilace Wvo miles up the river. 



LETTER TO (4EX. CIIAn MUNDEE FROM 
W. II. GLEA.SON. 

Miami, Fi.a., Septemhrr 3, 1S08. 

-Vgreeably to your renuest, Iwill endeavor to give you a dc- 
scrijjtion of this portion of the State extending from Jupiter's 
Inlet to Cape Sable, including the Keys and Islands along the 
vecfs and the Everglades. The Keys are a series of islands ex- 
tending along the south coast, from Cape Florida t«) the Dry 
Tortugas, lying ])etAveen the main land and the Florida lieets, 
r.nd Avithin from three to live miles of the Gulf Stream. They 
are of a similar character, being of general formation and Aery 
rocky. Some are only a fcAv acres in extent, Avhile others con- 
tain as many as 1.5,000 acres. Cago Eargo is the largest. 
These Keys are only a few feet above tide Avater, and are ])rin- 
oipally covered Avith a growth of hard Avood timber, consisting 
of Elastic, Ked and SAveet l>ay, Gumbo-Limbo, CrabAvood, Pal- 
metto, Mangrove, and a variety of Oaks. The land is too rocky 
to aduiit of general cultivation, but is avcII adapted to the 
groAvth of Cocoa Xuts, Aloes, Sisal llemj), and Pine A]>pies, all 
of Avhich seem to live on a rocky soil, an<l groAv here Avith but 
very little attention. 

BetAveen thesi^ Keys and the main land is Jiarnes' Sound and 
Riscayene Bay. Barnes' Sound and Cards' Sound are intersper- 
<:d Avith innumerable small keys, covered Avith musgroves, and 
are under Avatcr at high tides, and are the resort of snipe, ciir- 
1*"'AV and other 1>irds. 

.In both of these Sounds and J>is».-ayene Bay are great tjuanti- 
ties of turtle and sjxuiges of the finest and bot Aarietie^. The 
sponges and turtle taken from these Avatcrs exceed !<lOO,000 
:ti value per annum. 

The Bay and :dl the jtassages betAveeu the Keys and the 
streams running into the b^iy from the mainland are Avell suj)- 
i.died Avitli a great variety of fish, such as mullet, sheepshead, 
grouper, etc., Avhile incredible (|uantities of king-fish ami Span- 
ish mrtckerel are caught on the border of the Gulf stream. 

Biscayene Bay is an excellent liarbor for all vessels draAving 
less than ten feet of Avater, and can be entered at all times. The 
Everglades are a vast shallow lak<\ overgroAA'n witli gra«!s, jjond 



189 

lilacs and other aquatic plants, interspersed with innumerable 
small islands of from one to one hundred acres each. These 
islands are principally hammock lands, covered over with a 
growth of live and water-oaks and cocoa plums, with an undei-- 
growth of morninij glories, grapes and other vines, and are 
extremely fertile. The water is from tour inches to four feet 
deep, and is very clear and pure. In many places are channels 
and sinks Avhere the water is from ten to iifty feet deep ; these 
holes are well supplied with fish, of which the trout is the most 
desirable. Alligators and turtle are abundant, and panthers, 
wild cats and bears are quite numerous. 

Flowers of the sweetest fragrance, and of every hue and col- 
m\ greet the eye. The border and outer margin of the Ever- 
glades is prairie, of from one-fourth to one mile in breadth, and 
comprises some of the finest and richest land in America, 
having once been a jMjrtion of tlie E\erglades, and formed by 
the receding of the waters. The soil is sandy, with a mixture 
of lime and vegetable matter, ap.d freely effervesces when 
brought i)i contact with acids. 

The strip of land between Biscayene Bay ami the Everglades 
is from three to fifteen miles in breadth, and is principally rocky 
pine laud, Avith an iiudergi-owth of a species of the Sago Palm, 
called by the Indians, " Kooritie," which name has been gener- 
ally adopted by the whites. It makes a very good article of 
starch, and CAcellent gaviun, which cannot be distinguished from 
Berjnuda arrow-root, except by microscopic tests. 

This section of the country ha'^ evidently been an uplift or 
upheaval, as the rock tlii)s at an angle of about twenty-three 
degrees, and slopes both toward the Bay and the P^verglades. 
The rock, in many jilaces, is in circular form, and is coral. 

The soil is sandy, which, mixing M'ith the decomposed lime 
o\' the coral rock, forms an excellent and inexhaustil>le soil for 
grapes, and sugar-cane. The country north of Biscayene Bay, 
toward^s -lupiter Inlet, is ot' a similar character to that already 
.lescribed, with tiie exception that there is no I'ock. Fine springs 
of water are formed in different localities, and burst forth with 
great force ; some of these are mineral springs, principally cha- 
lybeate. Sea-Island Cotton is grown here, and is a perennial, 
and can be picked several times each year. * Grapes flourish 
well, and are not sul)ject to mildew, and ripen about the middle 
of May. Tobacco raised along the Bay Avill compare with the 
best of Cuba. Bananas, Plantaines, Oranges, Coffees, Dates, 
Pine Ajjples, Kice, Indigo, Sugar, Apples, Arrow IkOot, Cassava, 
all grow and tliiive well, and the garden vegetables of the 
Northei'u and Middle States. Indigo, when once sown, remains 
m the ground and ratoons as it is cut off. Sugar Cane ratoons 
and i-equires planting only once from four to five years. Sugar 
(vane can be raised here with less laboi" than in Cuba, as tlic 



140 

lajid is easier c-ultivatoil; and a sugar plantation can i>o made 
for one-iiftli of the money which it can in Louisiana. 

This section of the state is capable of producing ali <>f the 
difterent products of the West Indies ; and there is no doubt 
that, Avlieu tliis portion of the country 1)econies known, it wi)l 
l>e rapidly developed. 

Sea-Island Cotton can la- raised with half the lahor that is 
rcqxiired in tlie northern part of this state, or in Soutli Carolina, 
as this is Ijeyond the region of frost. The climate is very agree- 
able, being tempered by the Gulf Stream. It is not as Avarm 
here in summer as in New York, or as cold in winter as in Cuba, 
as wo have no moiuitains or high ele\ ations of land. The ther- 
mometer averages T;'. degrees, and the extremes are 51 degrees 
and 02 degrees, 

'^Phere is a constant !»ea breeze from off the Gulf Stream, com- 
mencing about 8 o'clock, A. M., and lasting until nearly sun- 
down. The climate is very exhiliaratin'^, and a white man can 
do as much labor in a dav a< in anv portion of the I'nited 
States. 

The constant Indian wars, which have been more severely felt 
in this country than in any other portion of this state, have re- 
tarded its growth and prevented its de\ elopment. 

Biscayene Bay is within four days of Xew York, and i«. the 
best locality in tlie I'nited States for raising \ egetables and 
fruit lor that market. All kinds of vegetables can be raised in 
the winter, and ]*ine Apples and Limes are tltree Aveeks earlier 
at tins place than in the Bahamas or Cuba. 

(drapes ripen irom the loth of May to the 1st of Junt-. and 
lands can be purchased at the government price : and the healthi- 
ness of the climate, for which it is noted, even here in Florida, 
will have a tendency to settle up this portion of the state as 
peace and (piiet are rostor.d. 

Your-. &.> .. 

W. U. G^.;^>>.^. 



STATK l'lK>\'lSi<JN FoK PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 

AAvare of the importance that woul.i attach to an adequate 
provision for the education of all who choose to learn, as in- 
ducement to the latter class of settlers, I requested Hon. C. T. 
Chase, Superintendent of Public Listruction to furnish a con- 
demned abstract of tlie recent enactments of law in regard to 
public Schools ; and I take pleasure in the insertion here of tlic 
very clear and succinct account wliich he ha* with great courte 
sy and promptness firnishel me. 



i41 

Statk of Florida, Departmext of Public IxsTKucTioi*, ) 

Supekintendent's Office, v 

Taixahassee, Fi.a., leh'uary 8, ISOP. ) 

Hon. J. ^. A1JAM8, Commissioner of Immigration. 

DearHir: — I take pleasure in complying with your request 
ot'^tliis morning to furnish a "Succinct Summary of the provis- 
ions of the recent enactments of the legislature in regard to 
your Department." 

In preparing a bill that will meet the wants of Florida I 
found that no existing state system could he followed implicitly. 
The one adopted comprises the salient points of several others 
and includes some important suggestioiis from a iiumber of the 
best practical educators in the land. 

We could not adopt the independent district system, had we 
desired it, because in many counties the population occurs 
only in patches here and there. We have no township organ- 
ization. It was not difficult to arrange for the work in villages 
and cities, but the solitary settlements in the piny woods and 
along the margins of rivers must be provided for Avith the 
same generosity and by tlie same machinery as the more favor- 
ed populous communities. There were but few schooli? of any 
kind. In some quarters the preconceived opinions are against 
any system of free popular instructioi. In others, deeper prej- 
udices exist on another point that could not be readily reconcil- 
ed, nor entirely disi'egarded. 

The law accepts the situation as it is, and provides for start- 
ing schools by the aid of the Peabody or other benevolent funds 
in the villages and cities at once. Xor need the Avork be delay- 
ed where such assistance has not been vouchsafed. It may be 
•ommenced anyAvhere Avithin sixty days. 

The official machinery is the simplest. The <livision of du- 
ties among officers are distinct. Accountability is complete. 
Frequent inspection is secured. Efficiency is guaranteed. The 
I 'revisions for funds are ample yet economy is ensureil. 

The Superintendent of Public Instruction is the responsible 
head of the department. The Secretary of State and Attorney 
lijeneral co-operate AAath him in constituting the Board of Educa- 
tion for the State. This is a corporate body in charge of the 
University, the educational funds and school lands of the state. 
It also acts as a court of Final Appeals under the provisions of 
the laAV. 

The educational affairs of each county are managed by a 
Board of Public Instruction, this Board consists of live good 
responsible men recommended by the representatiA^es of the 
i'ounty and appointed by the Board of Education. They hold 
their offices during the thithful ])crformance of duty not to ex- 
ceed four years. They ha\'e stated meetings and are alloAved 
"avo dollars a day for actual time employed, and their e.xpens- 



142 

es additional. They aro competent to perform all acts reason- 
able and necessary for the advancement of education. 

Tlie l)Oard is a corporate body. In it is vested the title to the 
school j)roperty of the county. It has charge of the county 
scliool funds and the state school lands in the county. It is au- 
thorized and directed to establish schools in every neighborhood 
where there are children enougli to engage the services of a 
teacher. The lioard examines teachers, grants certificates, en- 
ters into written contracts on all business matters, builds, rents, 
repairs and furnislies the school houses, grades and classifies the 
pupils and provides separate schools for the different classes in 
such manner as will secure the largest attendance of pupils, 
promote harmony and advancement of the schools, when requir- 
ed by the patrons. It estimates tlie amount of funds needed to 
carry on the work of popular instruction in the county for each 
year, whicli amount tlie County Commissioners are required to 
levy and collect with other taxes, but not to exceed one per 
cent, on the assessed value of the taxable propertv of the coun- 

^y- . . . ' 

The Jjoard ot Public Instruction api)Oints, on the recommen- 
dation of the patrons of a school, a trustee for each neighbor- 
hood scliool. In towns where several schools are organized 
under one arrangement the local trustees may be increased to 
five in number. The duties of the trustees are similar to those 
of ofticers of the same title under the state system. 

Ihe county Superintendent of schools is the Secretary and 
Agent of the county Board. He acts by the advice and imder 
the direction of this body, besides attending to specific duties 
laid down for him in the law. 

When a neighborhood can raise by gift from any benevolent 
fund or by contribution among themselves means sufficient to 
meet one-half the expense of the teacher or teachers for all the 
youth of the ])lace, then tlie County Commissioners are requir- 
ed to levy and collect an equal amount at the next annual col- 
lection of taxes. 

There are some State funds on hand with which assist- 
ance can be given to the difterent counties as soon as there 
should be a demand created by starting schools. The total 
amount of school lands is estimated at "TOOjOOO-acres. 

Provision is made for supplying the schools with api)aratus 
and text books, and the teachers with such oooks and stationary 
as are needful. School time and holidays are defined. Teach- 
ei-'s duties are plainly tersely stated. The settlement of dis- 
putes and differences is provided for. Whatever detail may be 
found wanting to impart unity and efficiency to the system the 
Superintendent is autliorizcd to supply in the general Regula- 
tions of the Department . 

There will, no doubt, be unexpected difficulties to contend 
witli. Hut wherever the people desire free public schools the 



143 

provision is made in the enactment for them to do so. It is 
gratifying to know that the interest in education is increasing 
and that great unanimity prevailed in the legislature on this 
subject. 

Very respectfully, 

C. TiiuusTON' C'hask. 
Superintendent of Public Instruction. 



The folloAving is a copy of a letter from the Superintendent 
of the U. S. Census, addressed to Hon. E. (\ Cabell, M. C. 
from the State of Florida, in 1852. 

It is of interest as showing the condition of the State then as 
to health, and the opinion, as to her Agricultural capacity, of 
one, who, certainly, was well qualified to judge accurately. ' 

This letter and other documents of great value and interest 
relating to Florida, are affixed to a Report to Congress, by J. 
D. W. Andrews, upon the Colonial and Lake Trade of the IT. 
8. made in 1852. 

A few extracts from that Report are addressed, as of interest 
to those who would be infoi'med as to the importance and ca- 
pacity of the State. 

Cexsi's Office, "Washington City, ( 
Augtist 23, 1852. \ 

Dear Sik : — In comjjliance with your request I enclose yen 
sundry printed Statements compiled in this office in January 
last from the official returns, relating to the pojiulation, pro- 
ducts, ifec, of Florida ; and also of other states so far as is nec- 
essary to verify the comparisons made below. The statements 
are generally correct ; but typographical and other errors, 
which exist to an inconsiderable extent, will be rectified in the 
official publication soon to be made. 

These corrections ^vill not change materially any of tlie re- 
sults given. It seems, first that the number of deaths in Flori- 
da in the year ending June 1st, 1850 was 933, the population 
being 87,400. This is but one in 93 (and a fraction) in that 
year, and is less in proj^ortion'than any other State in the l^r,- 
ion except Vermont, Iowa and Wisconsin. 

Tlie Territories of Oregon and Minnesota, it appears, had 
fewer deaths in 1850, in proportion to their population, than 
any State. 

Tliis may, in some degree, be accounted for by tlie fact that 
immigration thither is mostly of male adults, in the vigor and 
prime of life, and there are in these countries, comparatively 
fewer aged and infirm persons, and fewer children than in the 
old settled states. 



144 

rSecoiul. The entire uvea of Florida, in acres, is 3 7,93 1,520; 
And of this there were in 1S50 only 493,049 acres of improved 
.and. The official average valuation of these improved lands 
made by the retui"ning officers is §18 per acre, being much less 
than the average valuation c>f improved lands in any other 
State or Territory. Florida has less improved Lands than any 
state, except llhode Island and C'alifornia. 

Third. Florida has acres of 

Imjiroved lands :U9,049 

Unimjjroved, attached to above 1,236, 240 

Cash value of improved lands . . .§6,323,109 

Value of farming implements and 

machinery *!t;5 8,795 

Morses 1 ..10,848 

Mules &c 5,002 

Milch cows -_ 72,876 

Working oxen — 5,794 

< )ther cattle _ -.1 s2,41 5 

Sheep .--. 23,311 

Swine 209,453 

vValue of live stock... 2,8SiO,058 

Wheat, bushels of __. 1,027 

Rye '• -- 1,152 

Indian corn '* 1,096,809 

Oats " ....66,586 

Rice, pounds of. - - 1 ,075,090 

Tobacco " - 998,614 

Ginned cotton in b.iles of 400 lbs., each 45,131 

Wool, pounds of 23,247 

I*eas and IJeans, 1 mshels of 135,359 

Irish Potatoes " 7,828 

Sweet " " -- 757,220 

Buckwheat *• — 55 

Value of orcharil ]irodiicts !il,280 

Wine, gallons of . — 10 

Value of produce of market gardens »<8,721 

Butter, ]iounds of 371,498 

Cheese '• - 1^,015 

1 lay, tons of. 2,5 1 

Other grass seeds, bushels of 2 

lions, jtomids of 14 

Flax '• 50 

Silk Cocoons, pounds of 6 

Sugarcane, hogsheads of 1000 ])ounds 2,752 

Molasses, gallouR of 352,893 

Beeswax an<l lioney, pounds of 1H,971 

Value of homemade manufiictures -^75,582 

Value of animals slauglitered ^51 4,085 

Fourth. It seems that, in propovtion to tite <|nant)ty of im- 



145 

pro\e(l l:iiuls, Florida produces mere cotton tliun any other State. 
So also, in proportion to tlic state population, she produces more 
cottoii tlian any other slave state. So also, in j)roportion to her 
entire population, she produces more cotton than any other 
State of tlie Union. 

Fifth, Slie jn-oduces moiv sugar (from cane) in pro^Jortion to 
tlie lands in cultivation, and also in proportion to her slave pop- 
ulation, and also in jn-oportion to her entire population, than 
any other state of the I'nion, except Louisiana and Texas. 

Sixtli. Florida raises a greater cpiantity of tobacco than any 
of the other states exeejit CVnuiecticut, Mai-yland, Virginia, 
Xorth Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana and Mis- 
souri; and in proportion to the lands in cultivation, and to the 
l)opulation greater than se^■eral of these states. 

She I'aises a greater number of sweet potatoes than any other 
state of the I'^nion in proportion to the land in cultivation, and 
slave popnlation and aggregate jtopulation. 

Seventh. The mimber of cattle in Florida compares with 
that of any state in the same way. 

Eighth. No account of Oranges, Figs, Olives, Plantains, 
l>ananas, Vams or other tro})ical fruits, or of tlie Arrow Root, 
or Sisal Hemp, or other tropical ])roductions, can be given at 
this time, from this office. There is great difficulty in esti- 
mating the value of the ditferent productions of the diflerent 
states, and of the same i)roducts in the difterent states, bnt from 
a general an<l hasty estimate, from the best date I can refer to, 
and from comparison I am satished that the value of the agricul- 
tural products of Florida, (of course in the state) in proportion 
to the area of improved lands, and to tlie population, slave, or 
free and both, Avill compare favorably with the value of the 
[»roducts of any state in the Union. 

When, therefore the lower value of the land, and of the ag- 
ricultural im})lements used is estimated, and also the superior 
health of the state is considered, yom* anticipations of the com- 
parison being advantageous to your state will be realized. 

Florida is behind many of the states in her corn crops, and 
she raises but a small quantity of Wheat, llye or Oats, and it 
appears the value of all improvements in the state of Florida 
in cotton mannfoctures, is ^S0,000 which is of cotton goods — 
making 024,000 yards of sheeting anniially. It is impossible, 
at this moment to furnish the statistics of the Lumber business 
in Florida, which amounts to a large sum annually. 
I have the honor to be, Sir, with great respect, 

Your ol)edient servant, 

J. G. KK>>Kin. 



In his report, above referred to, Isl. Andrews says, ".\s staple 
in the papers now published, thotigh Florida can lurnish amble 
and superior materials tor ship bTiilding from her inexhaustited 



140 

rt)iv>ls, bill Jew vc»L'ls :ire' biiill in tluit slMte, and, in I'acl, hkjsI 
(»!' those e'ni]>l(tyc<l, and even most of" tlioso owned in Flori<la, 
arc owned and na\ ii;-ate(l l)v eiti/ens <)^i^•illallv from the iiortli- 
eastern States/' ='= " '■■ - ' '* * * 

" It may also he observed, that inteMiuent persons, aeqiiainted 
with this siibjeet, that \i])Oii a rigorous exchisioii by the British 
Imperial and Colonial governments of our tishermeii from just 
l»avtici)>atiou in the north eastern fisheries, the latter may iind 
in those at the southern extremity of the rnion, resources for 
similar employment, equally ])rotitable to them and as advan 
tageous to the Coufederacy. 

One great value of the sctiUheiii tislieries is, tliat they may 
be carriccl on throughout the year. Such diversion of the occu- 
l)atiou of our hardy eastern fishermen from the fisheries now 
owned by them to those a])piirtenant to the state of Florida, 
would also be accomi)anied l)y a large increase of the vessels 
built in that state by mechanical labor, now employed in the 
Eastern States in such business, and particularly when it is con- 
sidered, in the climate of Florida, mechanical labor can also be 
employed without cessation throughout all seasons." '•■' * 

" It has been estimated that, exceeding $400,000,000 in value 
in ships, merchandize and ]»roduce, (a large jtroportion of the 
two latter items from and to the valley of tlie ]\lississi])pi) an- 
nually passes near to Key West and the Tortugas, and can be 
protected or controlled from such points. By the completion of 
the })roposed improvements of the routes of ])assage or transit 
between the Atlantic and I'acilic oceans, at Atrato, at Panama, 
or at Nicuaragua, and especially if the route at Tehuantepec 
should be made susce])tib]e oi' passage by a canal, or transit by 
a railroad, the amount of ])ro})crty that would jjass near to the 
two ))oints designated, would be greatly augmented.''' 

A short extract from a letter of the lion. E. C. Cabal, attach- 
ed to the Ilcport of Mr. Andrews, forcibly presents the imjtedi- 
ments that have ]iresented themselves to the rapid propress of 
Florida : 

" It is a striking fact in the liistoi'y of the ))i'oviuces of Flor- 
ida that since their first discovery by the Spaniards, nearly 
three centuries and a-half ago, they have never enjoyed twenty 
successive years of ])eace and trampiility, undisturbed by do- 
mestic Avarlike conflicts or foreign hostile invasion. 

They have changed owners and masters several times. Tlic 
late disturl)ances with the Seminoles briMight destruction and 
ruin upon many Floridians, and the insecurity t<» life ami prop- 
erty since is;?.5 not only deterred Immigration to Florida, but 
hundreds of worthy and valuable citizens al)andoned their plnn- 
tations, and with their families went to other Southern States 
where they would not daily be liable to massacre and devasta- 
tion, owing to the neglect of the P'ederal government, of the 
duty of protection." 

The subse<iuent renewal of the Indian war and the civil strife 



of the "Great Rebellion" add to the snggestivcjicss and force 
of the above extract. 



WINTER (gardens IN FLORIDA. 

The following- extracts from the "Planners' Almanac," publish- 
ed by C. DrcAV, bookseller and stationer, at Jacksonville, rh)ri 
da, givino- directions for the garden work for each month in the 
year, are inserted as vividly contrasting tlic climate of Florida 
with that of the Northern States. 

Gakdex Wokk roK .Iaxi AKY. — ManuH' and])rei)are the soil 
for the more hardy crops. Early York ca1)l)age may l)e so\yn. 
Onions and Shellots jilanted, Parsley, ('arrots. Lettuce, Turnii.s 
and Spinach sown ; but it is better to delay the main crops un- 
til next month. Plant the early crop of English Peas, and pre- 
pare the ground for Irish Potatoes next month. Prune your 
vines, fruit trees, hedges, etc. 

Garden Wouk for FEunirAiiY. — Plant Strawberries, Horse 
Radish, English Peas and Irish Potatoes, and Yams for slips. 
Sow Asparagus, Gabbage, Gauliflower, Gelery, Garrots, Tm-n- 
ips, Parsnips, Radishes, IMustard, Spinach, Beets, Parsley and 
Cress. Dress Asparagus beds ; sow Artichoke and Vegetable 
Oyster late this month : sow tomato. Egg Plant and Pepper un- 
der glass, in gentle heat ; plant early Goimi ; finish pruning, trans- 
planting vines and fruit trees. 

Gakdex AVoinc fou March. — Gontiuue to plant Strawber- 
ries, English Peas, Onions, Gelery, Sweet Potatoes, Horse Rad- 
ish, Tomatoes, Gabbage and Corn. Plant Gi-ound Peas,Pum])- 
kins, Okra and a few Sua]) I>eans. Sow Parsnips, Radishes, 
Lettuce, Garrots, Parsley, Egg Plant and Vegetal^le Oysters, 
for succession of crops. Keep your garden well -worked. As 
paragus may be sown, and old beds redressed. Sow Artichokes 
if not sown'last month. This will be a busy month, as Spring 
has fairly opened. Protect the l>lossoms of fruit trees from 
frost with smoke. 

Garden A\"ouk for AiMiir.. — The garden should be now fairly 
on the Avay. Many things planted last month may now be re- 
planted, if necessary, to secm-e good crops, such as Gabbage, 
Gelery, Sweet Potatoes, (3kra, Lettuce, Radishes, Tomatoes, etc. 
Snap and Lima Beans should be planted. Broccoli may be 
sown, and Gauliflower for a late crop. Plant Water and Musk 
Melons, Squashes and Cucumbers in a rich sandy soil, deeply. 
Look after your As]>aragus beds. Transplant Strawberries, 
Pepper, Egg |)lants, Gabbages, etc Protect Fruit trees from 
frost with smoke. 



14R 

Oaudkn W(»kk i'(»k .May. — Lato (-•:il)l);it;c', Cauliiluwer liroc- 
coli may be sown tliis moiitli, Imt the yoims; plants shonld be 
protected from tlie hot sun at multh^y. Late tliis montli. trans- 
pLant Ceh'ry, Winter ("ahbaui', Tomaio, Sweet l*fttato Slij»s, ete.; 
hut they sliould he well watered, and protected from the hoi 
sun. Continue to plant Corn and Snap Ik'ans, l'nm|»kins, Win- 
ter Squashes, Table I'eas, Cornfield Jieans. Save allseeds as 
they ripen. Water when necessary, but always a]))ily it at 
nirjht. Thin out the youn<jj crops to a stand. 

Gaboen WoitK Foil Jink. — Irish l*otatoes may be fathered 
this month. ])ii]f early in the morning- or late in theevenintr, or 
in cloudy weather so as to avoid the hot sun. 'I'hin the later 
jtlanted crops of Carrots, iJeets, etc. Cut olV the upper shoots 
of Tomato ))lants where the fruit is half Lfrown, as it hastens 
maturity. C'ontinuc to ti-ansplant Cilery; Wiuti-r Cabbage and 
seeds, if shaded by day until u]», may still be jilanted. Contin- 
ue to plant Cijrn, Snaj* IJeans, Corntield iWans, and table I*eas, 
and save all i^ardi'U seeds as they ripen. Prepare <iround t'nr 
Turnips by frequent ploui;hin!j; or diu:i:;in>4-. 

(tAKDKN \Voi:k koi; .In. v. — Continue to i^allier aiul st(»re<)n- 
ions, Shalotes, and Irish Potatoes, diuiiinu' in the cool of the 
day. Pick Cucumbers for ]»icklint>;, and juit them up in salt. 
Make preparation for a fall j^arden. Clear oil' liround left \ acant 
by old crops, and ri'plaut with Cabbaoc', Celery and Tomatf) 
I'lants, Sua)) iieans. Corn, Peas, etc. Put in another crop oi' 
also Beets, I Jut a I laiia and other Turnips. KuljUsIi Pea^ plan- 
ted late often do avcII in .\utunin. (ut your urounil reaily for 
Winter Cabbane. 

Gaedkx Work r(»i: Aidisr. — CanliHowii-, Broccoli, and Cab- 
bacfc may be set out i"or winter use. Contiime to transjtlnnt 
Celery, and also Kuta IJaija and other Turnips, lleets, IJadislu's, 
etc., for winter use. Spinach, Lettuce, etc., nniy be sown, and 
Snap lieans .and Kni,dish Peas planted ; also >relons and Cu- 
cumbers for picklinii'. Si-t out late Tomato Plants, and earth up 
your Celery, (iatlu'r your si-eds as they ripen. Kee|i your 
Strawberry beds clean, o])en, and mellow. ."Much work done in 
the spriucj may now he rejteated. Spa<Ie seeil beds if nee<led, 
and free i'rom runners. 

(Iakokn Woinc Kt)!; Si:i>ti:.mi!i:i;. — the Flat Dutch and the 
Red To])s are the best — also ^histard and Cabbage for winter 
u«e. Of the latter Early York and othei- early sorts may be 
HOwn to set out the first of February ; if the i)lants become of 
MufKcient si/.e. they may may be transplanted as late as the Hrst 
of Novembei"; .and with a little protection in severe weather, 
they will make fine heads early in sprinu'. Spinach, Col/a Let- 
luce, and Radishes may be sown. Sti'awl»erry heds may .also he 
prepared, and the jdants set out. 

ti.vRiii'.N Woi:k vol: ()< loni ir. - Ued-top Turnip-< ui.iv be 



140 

sown for whiter uso, but it is almost too late to bring the roots 
to mucli perfection, except on the coast. Those ah-eady phant- 
ed may be cultivated and brought to a stand. Much can be 
done during'good weather in getting every thing ready for the 
next year. Let your manure heaps l)e looked after, and j'^onr 
garden tools made ready for spring worh, and see that they care- 
fully housed. Plant Strawberry beds. Onions can be set out. 

Gakden Worav fou NovEirnEii. — English ]?road Beans and 
early English l*eas may be planted this month. Thyme, Horse 
Radish, etc., may be taken n}) and divided. Strawberry beds 
]>lanted, and the ground manured and prepared for Spring work. 
i)eets Turnips, etc., Avill generally stand our Avinters without 
injury, l)nt it is best, for security, to put up a portion of them in 
l)anlvs, like ])otatoes, ready for use, in case the winter should be 
unusually severe. Gather and bank Sweet potatoes. ]>egin to 
plant \and prune fruit trees. The earlier the vine is ]>runed after 
killing frosts the better. 

Gardex Work foi: UECEJir.ER. — This is apt to Ijc a bad 
month for gardening, and bnt little can be done except to get 
ready lor tlie new year. Now is a good time for ])runing your 
fruit trees, a most ini])ortant operation, and one which requires 
care, knowledge, and ju<lgement. Either ])rnne your trees and 
plants your-self, or stand by and see that it is done ])roperly. 
"The time to |)rune,'" says an experienced cultivator, "is when 
your knife is sliarp ;" but the best time is when the leaves are 
off. Gather a large stock of leaves, wood, earth, etc., and otlier 
material for manure. 



FLORIDA RAIL ROAD LANDS. 

The Florida Rail Road has a large extent of lands which are 
granted to settlers in the vicinity oi' the rail road gratuitously, 

A succinct description of these lands, and an account of the 
terms and conditions upon which they are granted, Ijy 1). J. IT. 
Sanborne, the Rail Road Gommissioner, at Fernandina is added 
for the information of settlers. 

■ FLORIDA RATLUOAD LANDS.— lU' TTTE LAND 
COMMISSIONER. 

The Florida Railroad extends from the city "f Fernandina, 
on the Atlantic, to Cedar Keys, on the Gulf of Mexico, a dis- 
tance of 150 miles, completely crossing the state, and furnish- 
mg the shortest practical)le commercial transit. It is one of the 
most important railroads hi the South. 

Lying along this railroad, and '.lowlitTc at a orpater ilislancc 



150 

than i^ix miles from the voatl, tlicre arc 400,000 acres of land to 
he i^iven away to actual settlers fVoiii l)eyon<l the state, in tracts 
of ,20 40 an<V so acres. 

Tliese lands are to be u'iveu in alternate tracts, without any 
reservation as to <|uality ; the remaininuc alternate tracts, not 
i^iven, will be sold at ironi i^l to *:> an acre. A person desir- 
ino- to locate alons; this railroad can select his own ])articular 
tract Avlievever lie ])leases, near to a station or at a <listance 
Iroin it, the next adjoiniuLi' tract always beiuLT h<M by ilu- Kail- 
road ('oni])any. 

The desigji in donatinu' these lamls is lu secure their settle- 
ment and the sale of the adjoiniiin- alternate tracts; to build 
u|> towns and Hourishinn' rnminunitii-s alont; the road that may 
serve to develop the oreat natural resources of the state; to in- 
crease the business of the railroad and furnish Irei' and ]>leas- 
ant homes in this dcliiihtfnl climalc to |)i'rson>^ ct" moderate 
means. 

The title to these lands is clear, «lireei and imlispulable. 
They were directly from the (Tovernment of the T'nited States 
and the State of Florida. There is no mortLjage on them, Tlie 
lands have have not been eoniiscated and never can be, btit are 
perfect in all particulars as to title and ownersliip. 

This is a matter of greal importance tothcsettler in any coun- 
try and esi)ecially so in the Southern States. f 

This railroad is in operation throughout its whole exi'-nt, ronj 
the .Vtlantic to the Gull", with <me or more trains passing daily 
eacli wa\. ^\t Cedar Keys ai'e lines of steamships running 
regularly to ]Mobile, New Orleans, Tampa, Havana and Key 
West. At Fernandina are otlier corresponding 'ines of steam- 
ships running direct to New Yoi-k, Charleston, Savannah, Jack- 
sonville and all other jtoints on the St. Johns river. 

Through ticket fare iVom Chicago to Cairo, about -^IJ; Cairo 
to New Orleans, i^2r, ; Cairo to ]Nb»bile, ¥7.50 ; New Orleans to 
Ce<lar Keys ,^:{0 ; 3lobile loCcdai- Keys, ^'iO ; .Mobile to Fernan- 
tlina !5!2S; New V'ork to Fernandina, ^'2^, steerage passage, t\'> ; 
Charleston to Fernajidina >?]■'>: New ^'ork to Mobile via Fla. 
1{, H., 650, l-'reights by steamship between Fernandina and 
New York, 50 cents per 100 lbs, or 15 cents per cubic foot. 
Time usually from three to :?A <lays, 

l*arties seeking those lands and coming from the Nortii, 
should take the llailroad Company's steamships which leave 
I'icr 20 North IJivcv. New York city, every Saturday, or often- 
er, direct for Fernandina, whence it is easy to go to any jiart of 
l-'loriila. On arriving at Fernandina, call at the Uailroad Land 
Ortlce and examine free the ma]>s and charts of their lamls and 
ol" the whole State, 

These lands eTn|)race all grailes ol" soil fnun the poorest to 
the best; large ])ortions l\ing in the richest counties in the 
state. They are distributed as follows: 

[f von sc'iilc within on*.- lialf mile dl' the railrca'b vn <'an 



\ 



luive 20 ucTL'S ; U' 3'ou select your land anywhere between a luilt 
mile and three miles from the railroad, yon will be given 4() 
acres; and if you are three miles di^^ta!lt from the railroad, you 
can have 80 acres given you, your own selection in each case. 

The conditions of gift rei|uire tliat the party receiving the 
land be eighteen years old, and shall within two years have at 
least one-half of it fenced and cultivated, and shall himself or 
his heirs , be living upon it in a snitable and siifiicient house. 
A good log or pole honse fifteen by twenty feet will answer 
the purpose if the party is honest in his intentions. 

For circulars or any desired iirformation concerning steam- 
ship mattei's, call at or address Florida liailroad office, 174- 
Cliambers street, Ncav York. Fen* land circulars describing in 
detail these lands and giving much valuable inibrmatioji, ad- 
dress, inclosing stamp. 

J^AM) CoMMISSlONEi;, 

Fei-nandina, Florida. 



\ 



'L- y^ 




% 



/? 



dPcJ^ /v-<: ^.i^- 




FLORIDA : 



ITSl'CLIMATE, S01l| AND PRODUCTIONS, 



WITH A SKKTCII OV 



ITS HISTORY. 



NATURAL FEATURES AND SOCIAL 
CONDITION: 



A MANU^. OF RELIABLE INFORMATION 



nONCfUlNfNO THV 



RESOURCES OF THE STATE ANH THE lOUdEMEiNTS TO 
IMMIGRA\TS. 



Pkkhakku officially by Hon. J. S. Adams, Commission j-.k ^>^ 
Immigration fok thk State of Fi.ouika. 



JACKSONVILLE: 

N HRINTEI) HY EDWD. M. CHEI iC^ ff'STATE PJUNTER, HAY ST. 

■^ las'©. 

. — tt ___________^^__ 




^ 



^ V 



Library of Congress 
Branch Bindery, 1903 



